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Cardrona’s acquisition of Treble Cone given the green light
From left: Bob Wallace and Sir Tim Wallis discuss the early days of Treble Cone.
PHOTO: Wānaka Sun
Sir Tim Wallis reflects on Treble Cone Caroline Moratti
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
or the last 50 years Treble Cone has been an icon of Wānaka entrepreneurship, ingenuity and community. With news that the Commerce Commission has granted approval for Cardrona to purchase Treble Cone, the Wānaka Sun looked back at the humble beginnings of the local slope and spoke to Bob Wallace and Sir Tim Wallis, some of the early faces behind the ski field, to understand the past and what lies ahead for Treble Cone. Sir Tim Wallis arrived in Wānaka in 1961 with a passionate love of skiing already embedded in him from his early 20s. He had represented schoolboy skiing in Canterbury but was disappointed to learn that the nearest ski field was in Queenstown despite Wānaka’s abundance of mountains. “I got very keen on talking about that” Wallis said, especially to his neighbours Bob and Shona Wallace, alongside other interested locals Alan Kane, Ralph Markby and Rod Aubrey, the
F
chairman of the range. Aubrey soon resigned the position and Murray Raffills famously took over. The group bonded over their “dissatisfaction with the Mt Cook company” according to Bob Wallace, that was rife with high costs and long lines. Wallis says “We weren’t thinking of a business, then, we were just thinking of a ski field.” Treble Cone was named after the distinctive three peaks atop the valley, known as the powerhouse basin. With the help of Colin Nolan’s bulldozing business, the team were able to punch a road up the mountain for cars to access a helipad. From the helipad, the friends could either helicopter up to the snow or walk up, the latter being what Wallace refers to as one of his “greatest experiences.” Wallis was the milling marketing manager at Kopara Sawmilling Company's Haupiri mill, but when he took over the sawmill he was able to use his connections to help shift building materials up the mountain side with his helicopter. This enabled the building of a small hut on the mountain. Continued on page 5
The Commerce Commission approves Cardrona’s bid to buy the Wānaka ski field.
Caroline Moratti
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
fter months of waiting, the Commerce Commission has approved Cardrona’s acquisition of Treble Cone, with the Commission granting clearance for Cardrona Alpine Resort Limited to acquire either the shares of Treble Cone Investments Limited or the assets it uses to operate the Treble Cone ski field. Chair Anna Rawlings said the Commission is satisfied that the acquisition is unlikely to substantially lessen competition in any relevant market. The Commission saw the merger as one unlikely to hike up prices or reduce the quality of services offered due the alternative options existing for skiers and snowboarders,
A
PHOTO: Jackson Lana
with Rawlings overall noting “there is unlikely to be a material difference” to how Treble Cone competes in the market. “We also considered that the high fixed cost nature of ski field operations, and the need to maximise the number of skiers using a ski field would make coordination between the merged entity and other ski fields in the region unlikely,” Rawlings said. This announcement comes as good news for Cardrona, who already owns New Zealand’s largest skiable area. Bridget Legnavsky, Cardrona General Manager said “We’re very excited to receive Commerce Commission approval for the Treble Cone purchase today. We’re now working with Treble Cone Investments Ltd to complete the transaction and more information will be available in the near future.”
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Otago Polytech brings outdoor tertiary study to Wānaka Emma Conyngham
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: Wānaka Sun
Entering Wānaka on SH84 will be dust and cones until April 2020.
Roundabout delay a danger for students Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
The roundabout construction on SH84 is now expected to be completed by mid-late April next year, meanwhile the construction of the underpass doesn’t have a defined deadline. “Our aim is to overlap completion of the roundabout works with the underpass works, which will be around 100 metres from the roundabout on the eastern (Puzzling World) side of the roundabout. Completion of this (underpass) still TBC,” said Simon Underwood, Senior Project Manager at NZTA. If the slow progress for the roundabout is annoying, the delay of the underpass is actually dangerous as it won’t be aligned with the opening of the new school, Take Kārara. The non-complete underpass means very young students need to
cross SH84 to get to the school. In response to this, Underwood said: “We are really pleased that the Transport Agency and Queenstown Lakes District Council together have ensured this underpass is getting built to benefit the safety of the new school and its community. Together we are working towards a number of details — e.g; the affected landowner agreements, satisfaction of Resource Management Act requirements, as well as the design, pricing and contractual engagement of the physical works. It is over to the school community and parents/caregivers to determine how to make the most of the transport options available and get pupils to school safely. Once the underpass does become available, which is expected during the course of term two, Francesca Maria Nespolo it will provide a substantially more convenient journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz travel option via the new Sir Tim Wallis Drive – which itself is presently under construction”. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has confirmed that it is aiming to fully reopen State Highway 6 south of Hokitika to Makarora in Otago in time for Christmas. This includes the only section currently still closed, with the most slips and damage, Mt Hercules south of Harihari to Whataroa. “Whilst this work is weather dependent, we have multiple crews and machinery working in this section of Mt Hercules currently and have made good progress at a number of sites including the Little Man Creek bridge washout,” says Colin Hey, senior network manager from NZTA. “There is rain in the forecast for the coming days but at this stage, it should not affect progress significantly.” Some sections will be single lane with stop/go traffic management even once the road is fully open. “There are multiple crews working hard this week on this stretch, still closing south of Haast Wed to Thursday 24 hours to do explosives work at Clarke Bluff, midday to midday or 1pm to 1pm Makarora,” said Frances
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The first intake next year will have 12-16 students with scope for more in the future.
said Pete Eley, senior lecturer. The course will employ two full time staff and also a number of local contractors, as well as using a number of local businesses for student opportunities. “Our programme is a fantastic opportunity for anyone in the area to follow their dreams and actually gain a qualification in something they are passionate about. The programme is also a fantastic pathway for college students who have an interest in the outdoors and wish to pursue this,” said Kees.
South Westland, SH6 update on anticipated full opening of route
SAL E PAGE 2
Otago Polytechnic has announced that their Outdoor and Adventure Education programme will be based from their new Wānaka campus starting February 2020. This programme has been a part of the Otago Polytechnic curriculum for over 20 years, and has trained hundreds of graduates that have helped make the outdoor and adventure industry a safer place. “The decision to move to Wānaka, will mean we have our core learning tools right on our doorstep – mountain biking tracks, the lake, whitewater parks, rock climbing and the rest,” said Melanie Kees from Otago Polytech. “We have fantastic relationships with many outdoor and adventure companies in the region and we hope to continue to grow and build on these once we are based in Wānaka.” The outdoor programme is currently based in Cromwell however that will be shut down and moved in its entirety to Cliff Wilson Drive in Wānaka. The first intake next year will have 12-16 students with scope for more in the future. They will graduate with a New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor and Adventure Education (multiskilled) (Level 4). “We’re hoping to have a Level 5 Outdoor and Adventure Education in 2021,”
PHOTO: supplied
Works on SH6 following heavy rain that caused multiple slips.
Adank, Media Manager at NZTA. Good news however, route south of Whataroa open 24/7 now with caveat on rainfall. SH6 Franz Josef to Fox Glacier is also open 24 hours a day. NZTA recommends adding an additional hour of drive to your itineraries and also asks everyone to take care around their hard-working crew members and their machines this holiday season. Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey.
Local business lends a hand in Franz Josef Caroline Moratti
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
A local Wānaka business was quick to help out following the West Coast roads slips that have cut off the town of Franz Josef. Last Tuesday Rockgas Wānaka received a call from Paul Emry, the owner of Rockgas Greymouth looking for some help to service his customer base in the Franz Joseph area due to road closures. The team was swift to respond, with Ashley Carter, manager of Rockgas Wānaka saying, “We were only happy to help a fellow franchise out and loaded a truck with 65 bottles that night.” The next day the team got a call that the roads were safe to travel on and operations manager Dwayne Quirk left early to arrive in Greymouth with the deliveries. There he met Rockgas Greymouth delivery driver, John Torranc, who had been flown in by Gus Gordon of Glacier Country Helicopters,
THURSDAY 19.12.19 - WEDNESDAY 25.12.19
PHOTO: supplied
Rockgas Wānaka was able to supply the township with gas after the recent road blockages.
who had volunteered their pilots flying time, to coordinate deliveries to those in need of gas in the Franz Joseph area. People that were out or low on gas were prioritised, with everyone thankful for the delivery. “We were very impressed by how quickly and effortlessly it all fell into place.” says Carter. Quirk was able to return to Wānaka with an empty truck and a job well done.
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End of the road for Northlake opposition Emma Conyngham
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Central Otago District Council has declined Winton’s application for Plan Change 13.
PHOTO: Wānaka sun
CODC says no to Winton Emma Conyngham
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Whilst Wānaka’s Northlake residents are licking their wounds over their failed bid to stop Winton’s hotel in their suburban neighbourhood, Central Otago District Council has announced their decision to decline Plan Change 13 that would have seen River Terrace Developments Limited (a company of Winton) rezone 50 hectares of rural land off State Highway 6 in Cromwell for a new urban development. The $400k cost of the plan change hearing is under debate with Winton refusing to pay. CODC previously said they would not release their decision until payment was received. However, CODC said , “[We have] worked exhaustively to try and recover outstanding processing costs from River Terrace Developments Limited relating to the Plan Change 13 application. To date, those efforts have not been successful.” Earlier this month, CODC received a formal objection to the costs of processing the Plan Change 13 request from River Terrace Developments Limited. The Council agreed to grant an extension providing a legal undertaking with respect to the holding of those funds
and conditions for their release and payment upon the objection to fees being determined. “This request was made so that ratepayers had assurance that they wouldn’t need to foot the bill for a private developer’s application if it were defaulted upon. River Terraces Developments Limited has declined to give that undertaking,” said CODC. “We will continue to make every effort to ensure that the processing fees are paid once the outcome of the objection is known. However, on balance, we consider further action at this stage is not in the community interest and would likely also incur significant cost to the ratepayer. We have therefore decided to release the decision.” Niamh Shaw who led the charge against Winton’s hotel in Northlake, said, “I am delighted for the Cromwell community. It was great to see CODC come in behind their community because they put in a submission themselves; they really stood up for their community. Ultimately, this is a big outcome for Cromwell because the plan changes is where the real damage gets done.” Shaw also said, “Had this been approved, residents would have been bound by the same no objection clauses as Northlake, so therefore we are very happy for Cromwell.”
Weather causes Christmas cancellations Caroline Moratti
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Christmas could be looking a little different this year, with wet weather already making its mark on the social calendar. Organisers of the Upper Clutha district's Christmas foodbank drive, due to take place on Thursday, are "extremely disappointed" to have to cancel the Wānaka segment of this year's street collection due to wet weather forecasts that could threaten the safety of volunteers. This is the first time the event has been called off since 2007. Christmas foodbank drive coordinator, Nikki McKay, said, “The people of the Upper Clutha are always so generous, and their donations of food and gifts make a HUGE difference to a growing number of families who are really struggling over Christmas. So we are asking that people bring their donations to the Community Networks offices at the new Community Hub on McDougall St this Wednesday or Thursday, so that those in need can still be helped.” For people in Hāwea and Luggate and Mt Barker however, the collections will continue on Thursday as planned. Meanwhile Hāwea was forced to cancel their Christmas in the Park on Sunday December 15 due to waterlogged grounds on top of windy and cold conditions. The event was meant to be a community picnic with food trucks, carols and even a Sanata appearance. Elizabeth Munn, an organiser, said the cancellation was “a great
THE WĀNAKA SUN
PHOTO: Supplied
Both a food bank drive and a family picnic forced to cancel due to rainy conditions.
shame” but there’s hope that Santa may still make an appearance on the 24th. Holiday makers wishing to enjoy their usual Christmas leisure activities may have to be careful when it comes to swimming and watersports. Jonathan Walmisley, President of Coastguard Wānaka Lakes, warns that the Clutha flow rate is extreme and he urges anyone to be “very, very cautious.” With a rainy Christmas season upon us, there’s never been a better time to light a fire, chuck on an old movie and enjoy the presence of friends and family.
Earlier this month the Wānaka Community Supporting Our Northlake Neighbours Incorporated Society’s (WCSONNI) request to the Environmental Legal Assistance Fund to reconsider funding was once again rejected. The group’s goal of challenging the noobjection clause in their Northlake covenants is now dead in the water. “When I went into this, I fully thought justice would be done and the community voice would be heard and we would win,” said chair of WCSONNI, Niamh Shaw. “My youthful optimism has taken a battering. The system is highly flawed,” she said. “I’ve gone through phases where I’ve really fought it, then with more time just thinking the horse has bolted. Taking this on, it does consume you, it has eaten my time, and my time with my family.” Shaw has contacted all the members of the society notifying them of her decision and has asked if anyone would be prepared to take over. “I think there is a will to fight but I think that the level of fear and anger means that there is a feeling of futility. And that does impact… that someone is unlikely to come forward,” she said. Shaw conceded that in the case of the Northlake hotel, it is definitely going ahead — that horse has already bolted. “That developer… there is still land in the special zone with no specified plans so the developer could apply for another resource consent to plonk god only knows what in there. I was always invigorated by fighting the
PHOTO: Wānaka sun Archive
Niamh Shaw has resigned as chair of Wānaka Community Supporting Our Northlake Neighbours Incorporated Society, after the second attempt to secure funding for the High Court case was denied.
bigger fight, on gag clauses, but it’s a much bigger fight. But its relevance now to this community hasn’t got the same imperative. There are other developments in Wānaka with these clauses. There is still a risk that another developer could come in and do it again.” Despite the demise of the society’s goal, there is still some fight in Shaw who said her new role as a councillor would help her to ensure any such future development was more community friendly.
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To worry or not to worry; that is Ruby’s future is rosy the 5G question Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Spark recently transitioned to a commercial 5G service, which is available in selected areas of Alexandra; the same as the service Spark has launched in parts of Westport, Clyde, Twizel, Tekapo, and Hokitika at the end of November. Vodafone has also recently launched 5G in Queenstown. When launching 5G into the five heartland towns in November, Mark Beder, technology director at Spark, said that the focus is on getting the rest of New Zealand ready for 5G. “With our new commercial 5G wireless broadband service, we are offering Kiwis in regional New Zealand towns the chance to be some of the first people to discover 5G with Spark,” he said. “Wireless broadband is one of the first-use cases for 5G, and we've chosen to deliver it to several towns in heartland New Zealand who are all high users of our current wireless broadband product as we think these customers will get the most benefit. We are delighted to now be able to offer 5G wireless broadband to customers in Alexandra,” concluded Beder. Despite Beder’s optimism, some locals are concerned about the possible health consequences from exposure to 5G. Arwen Vant, a spokesperson by Spark told the Wānaka Sun, “We work to the standards set by the New Zealand Ministry of Health.” “Exposure levels from Sparks cell towers are typically only a small fraction
of the levels considered safe. These levels are set by independent bodies based on decades of scientific research is correct — as it refers to the Ministry of Health standards,” he continued. “The Ministry of Health factsheet, 5G and Health… includes an important statement; 5G is simply a new application of radio technology. Existing research on the possible health effects of radiofrequency (RF) fields applies as much to 5G as to any other radio system in use. 5G transmitters are covered by the New Zealand RF field exposure standard, and 5G cell sites will have to comply with Resource Management Act (RMA) 1991 rules about cell sites. These rules include compliance with the exposure standard,” concluded Vant. However, those standards are not set in stone and can be changed when credible research comes to light. Martin Gledhill, Director, EMF Services, commented, “Any new research has to be assessed both on its own merits, and also in the context of the large amount of previous research that has been carried out. To change the safety standards, you would need well-conducted studies from independent research groups that provide consistent results showing an effect occurring at levels below those currently allowed. Preferably you would also have some idea of the mechanism underlying the effect.” Despite facebook groups of concerned locals decrying the technology as
PHOTOS: Wānaka Sun
Michele Lacroix (left) and Jude Battson (right) at Saturday’s working bee on Ruby Island. PHOTOS: Supplied
Commercial 5G is now available just down the road in Alexandra.
dangerous, the problem isn’t that 5G has been proven dangerous, but rather there has been no research to prove anything. The newness of the technology means it hasn’t undergone the vigours of time; it is the absence of research, rather than the results of research that brings 5G into question. Meanwhile in Europe, there is a group of scientists that have formed an EU 5G Appeal. This group has said, “We, the undersigned scientists, recommend a moratorium on the roll-out of the fifth generation, 5G, for telecommunication until potential hazards for human health and the environment have been fully investigated by scientists independent from industry.” Spark has said they have no set date for rolling out 5G in Wānaka yet.
Emma Conyngham
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Jude Battson is “happy as” to hand on the baton for Ruby Island to Michele Lacroix, whom she describes as a “bird of the feather when it comes to outdoor work.” Battson has been leading the Ruby Island volunteer team for 21 years and recently announced it was time for her to step down. However, finding someone with the same passion, commitment and drive was a big ask. At the recent Ruby Island meeting, a dozen people turned up to discuss the way forward in managing Lake Wānaka’s pretty little island with very cool history. “With the enthusiasm and commitment of those attending, various jobs
were delegated for the committee and working bee attendees,” said Battson. When the issue of team leadership came up, Lacroix volunteered and said she was enthusiastic to be part of such an awesome environmental project. Lacroix is of Argentinian and German descent, and has been in New Zealand for 12 years. She is a NZ citizen and speaks various languages and has a degree in anthropology. The new committee is Michele Lacroix, Chris Arbuckle, Nic Blennerhassett and Bruce Jackson. Battson said, “This team is a capable bunch with expertise in a number of fields, ensuring Ruby Island is in good hands, along with the dedicated workers who turn up for working bees.”
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Sir Tim Wallis reflects on Treble Cone Continued from page 1 Wallace said, “So we built this hut, which we’d go up to and, after a day’s skiing, we’d have a cup of tea or coffee in the hut, and then ski down as far we could, down to the helipad.” The use of Wallis’s helicopter was infinitely useful in the fledgling days of the slope. Wallis, along with the founding group, worked for free and didn’t charge for the use of his helicopter. “I paid for the flights from what I made in the sawmilling business and what I had in my pocket,” Wallis revealed. Later he was able to help further pay for expenses from his growing helicopter work. Eventually the group wanted better accommodation on the range, so built an A-frame with the help of volunteers and donated goods. The expanded size of the hut allowed the friends to think bigger, and so in 1976 Treble Cone was listed as a public company to raise funds for facilities and infrastructure. After an initial struggle with government paper-pushers, the political rise of Ian Quigley in Cromwell helped aid the transfer of 3000 acres from a grazing lease to a recreational lease. Together they inherited a tow rope from Roxburgh, attached it to a Briggs and Stratton
engine with a couple of pulleys and, with the help of Wallis’s old Hella 12V helicopter, shifted it around the mountain to where the sighting would be for future lifts. “We had to think if it can become a local ski field, we need to get these old rope tows up there. It all just developed from that,” Wallis admits. The first chairlift, however, was not installed until 1983. Wallis acknowledged that his involvement lessened after the formation of a public company, saying: “To me, that was all going on, but I was busy enough getting my own company together, Alpine Helicopters, and I was getting a family together.” Wallis, of course, radically pioneered live deer capture from helicopters, as well as founded the infamous Warbirds over Wānaka and the Alpine Fighter Collection, so one can forgive him for being preoccupied. Treble Cone has since risen to success as the largest ski area in the South Island. The 70’s saw the legendary Sir Edmund Hilary even become director of the company, much to the delight of the skiers and locals alike. In the 2000s, the field saw the like of the national ski team of Austria using its slopes as an off-season training ground alongside the usual hordes of tourists and locals. Nowadays
PHOTO: Wānaka Sun
Groomer Dave Crotty enjoys the stunning views from Treble Cone.
Treble Cone is known for its intermediate and advanced offerings that seek to challenge users, all whilst delivering picturesque backdrops of the Wānaka area. Now, Cardrona Alpine Resort Limited has been granted approval by the Commerce Commission to buy Treble Cone. Both companies are currently working out final details in order to complete the transaction, with more information promised to be announced. What does this merger mean for Treble Cone? Skiers needn’t worry, as according to the Commerce Commission, due to high competition in the area the merged entity would be unable to successfully charge higher prices. Chair Anna Rawlings says, “We are satisfied that there is unlikely to be a material difference in the extent to which Treble Cone competes, either with its current ownership structure, or with an alternative owner.” As for Wallis, he personally feels relieved that such an offer was made: “I think it’s a good idea because they’re a very progressive company. Look how they developed Cardrona.” Wallace agreed, adding: “It’s [Treble’s] had its ups and downs, for 50 plus years, and this I believe, is going to be the ultimate in keeping it there.” Talk of dual-ski
The steep incline at Treble Cone appeals to intermediate and advanced skiers.
PHOTO: Jackson Lana
PHOTO: Wānaka Sun Archive
The lucky six first chair riders in 2018.
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passes is in the air which looks to further excite passionate snow-dwellers. Although the merger might be a hit, Wallis still foresees challenges ahead for Treble Cone that could threaten the stability and profitability of the ski field. Wallis says, “The big question mark is climate change. I mean, you can only ski there if you have snow. This year, the snow has been late coming. And is that because of climate change or not?” This year Treble Cone struggled with a late start that saw one of its worst openings in recent times. A Cardrona buy-out might enable Treble to tide over financial uncertainties and invest in new technology, but only time will how the business will withstand environmental degradation. Climate change aside, it’s amazing how Treble Cone has developed over the last 50 years to play a huge role in Wānaka winter tourism and local character. With the offer from Cardrona, the ski field looks here to stay, and Wallis proudly says: “it will get better and stronger.” That’s good news for locals, but even better news for the founding historic group who still ski at Treble to this very day. Together, the group can be proud of their creation that has snowballed into something larger than life.
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Prickles over Pembroke Park Abby Costen
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Draft Wānaka Town Masterplan proposals Big Move one and Big Move three, which suggest connecting Pembroke Park to Lake Wānaka, have provoked some opposition since being released for community feedback between June 10 and 28 this year. The 10.506 hectare recreational reserve is currently bounded by Dungarvon, Ardmore, Brownston and McDougall Street. Within the document Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) clarified that “the proposal would result in no overall loss in park area and would be implemented via a land swap with parking moved to the southern side of the park”. Specifically regarding the Pembroke Park changes, QLDC stated that 10 percent of respondents supported and 10 percent opposed the proposed changes. Pembroke Park was designated a recreation reserve in 1971 and the proposal would require a change to the park’s reserve management plan. To ascertain how The Friends of Pembroke Park feel about this proposal–which became registered as an Incorporated Society in 1996– the Wānaka Sun spoke to three of its members, John and Jill Belennerhassett and Loris King. King, who is also a Browston Street resident, vehemently opposed any changes to the boundaries of the Pembroke Park reserve. “There have been people fighting all these years to keep [Pembroke Park] protected,” said King. “The boundaries, as far as I’m concerned, are set. That’s how it’s been and that’s why it’s still the same. [,,,] [Pembroke Park] is still here today after 48 years, and multiple times it has been targeted, but look at it.” “Pembroke Park is a jewel. It must not be encroached upon except for things like the skate park and so on,” said John. “Yes, the safety of our youngsters, lovely, absolutely behind it from the start to finish. [...] But somebody’s club rooms, so they can have a boozy evening, no way.” John also expressed appreciation for the “splendid job” QLDC have done making the park what it is today, adding that “they’ve chosen the right people, they’ve consulted with us, it has been wonderful.”
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“Any further work on the land swap proposal for Pembroke Park will be put on hold until the Network Optimisation Single Stage business case is complete. This business case will provide the detailed evidence required to make changes to the transport network to provide more walking and cycling opportunities, achieve ideal traffic flows on Brownston Street, SH84 and further explore the need for and potential location of a town centre bypass. It will also include a parking management strategy and identification of low cost, low risk projects to be implemented while the detailed investigations are underway,” said QLDC media and channels advisor Jack Barlow. “Any further town centre upgrades identified in the Wānaka Masterplan or wider transport network improvements would be reviewed once the business case is complete and council officers will report back to the community board before any further progress is made.”
OCR deputy chair outlines personal priorities Caroline Moratti
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Michael Laws, deputy chair of the Otago Regional Council (ORC) has delivered a bold list of personal priorities that he hopes to include in the draft Annual Plan. Law’s priorities focus largely around the environment, with hopes of cash injections for Wilding Pines, a regional team responsible for rabbit control in affected areas, and the eradication of lagarosiphon from our lakes and rivers. Alongside these he also mentions funding for the Cromwell Service Hub and implementation of a consumer survey to gauge effectiveness of ORC with stakeholders and public. Most of Law’s plans effectively involve boosting funding for existing or stalled projects, so money is what he needs, and a fair amount too. Laws imagines the source of this funding to come from the OCR’s stakeholder shares in the Port of Otago, saying: “It is long past time for the Port of Otago to pay a realistic dividend to the ORC to subsidise long-overdue environmental work in our region.” The port, the fifth-largest in the country, delivered a dividend of $8.45 million to OCR this annual period. This amount was previously described as a sustainable and
THURSDAY 19.12.19 - WEDNESDAY 25.12.19
PHOTO: Wānaka Sun Archive
Michael Laws looks to address environmental issues going forward.
predictable flow by the Port of Otago, although the figure was down from the $9 million dividend in 2018 despite a 12 percent increase in profits for the port. If successful Laws may be able to implement his vision, however Law’s personal goals do not necessarily speak for what the council wants or intends to do.
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Rejoice, reduce, reuse, recycle
and re-gift any presents that you won’t use. Wrap gifts in old paper packaging, kids’ editor@thewanakasun.co.nz drawings, magazines, newspaper or try Furoshiki, Want to spend less, waste less and stress less this the Japanese art of wrapping in fabric. Christmas? Use these four Rs to dial down the crazy and rethink your Christmas.
Emma Conyngham
PHOTO: Supplied
Time is running short to get your house rented this summer.
Rent, sit or swap your house this summer
PHOTO: Pixabay
Have recipes for leftovers ready to go to avoid any food going to waste.
Rejoice The festive season is made for rejoicing, but PHOTO: Wānaka Sun plenty of food and drink can mean plenty of Christmas cloth bags can be reused for decades (and waste. Make a list (and check it twice) before you save a heap of time and money on wrapping). shop to avoid buying too much. Make the most of your Christmas cooking by having a Plan B Decorate your tree with kids crafts, Christmas for any leftovers. When food ends up in landfill it cards and nature walk finds. Some of it might breaks down releasing harmful greenhouse gases. look like something the cat dragged in, but it tells For those big family meals, choose to reuse a pretty sweet story. by borrowing extra cutlery and crockery from a neighbour or buying from a reuse shop – you can donate them back again so the cycle continues.
PHOTO: Supplied
Bake your presents this Christmas
PHOTO: Supplied
Wastebusters sorts by hand to ensure high-quality recycling.
Recycle Lots of people + lots of parties = lots and lots of recycling. Wastebusters deals with three to four times the usual amount of recycling after Christmas. They sort it all by hand to ensure high quality, uncontaminated recycling. So help out the awesome crew by making sure bottles and containers are free of food residue and give them a quick rinse before dropping them off. Wastebusters accept plastics 1, 2 and 5 plus glass bottles and glass jars, cans, paper and cardboard for recycling. There is a charge of $3 per crate (around 60L) to cover the cost of recycling. Reuse You can shop, drop and recycle with Shopping second-hand first costs less – for Wastebusters every day this summer, (except you and the planet. Apply some creative flair to Christmas Day when all our staff will be rejoicing upcycling or re-designing something pre-loved, with their friends and families). Reduce Shop less and stress less by opting to buy a quality gift instead of lots of throw away stuff. Give your loved ones something different with an experience or some expertise. From concert tickets to hiring an expert to do the jobs your loved ones can’t, think outside the gift wrapped box this Christmas. Bake or make something special, and check out the Wānaka Waste Free Shopping Guide at plasticfreewanaka.co.nz for tips on packagingfree shopping.
Bex Sarginson and Mel Mcleod from Food for Love Wānaka, getting ready for their Christmas cook up this week – 130 meals that will go back out into the community to help those in need over the Christmas period. Food for Love would like to thank; Mel Mcleod, Charlie Beare, Stacey Maurice, Carly Green, Juliet Smith, Katie Rowden, Marisol Caballero, Shirley Owens, Chris McCarthy, Bella Sarginson, Kiara Searle, and Ocean Van Riel.
THE WĀNAKA SUN
Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Many locals choose to rent their house out over peak season, pocketing enough money to pay for a year of house insurance, rates and bills. It is often an indispensable source of second income for many families. However, many people are too busy throughout the year to plan ahead, the time to pack your bags and leave always comes too soon. Too late to join the Airbnb community? “You can go onto Airbnb at any time but it’s a good idea to list at a few weeks in advance so you can make sure you get the right guests,” said Heather Kahl, spokesperson from Wānaka Holiday Homes Ltd. Financially, renting a house when you’re away, is a very good move, but still it all depends on the house itself really. “If you have a modern well decorated home close to town centre, you could get anywhere from $600 to $1200 per night. This is also dependant on the number of guests you can accommodate – no more than two per bedroom – and the minimum number of nights you would be willing to rent it for. Our New Year’s Eve rates range from $250 to $800 per night with a seven-night minimum,” explained Kahl. Kahl also warned: “I’m not a fan of raising our rents to exorbitant amounts over peak periods as it leaves our guests feeling a bit sour. It is better to have guests who are having a positive experience so they will come back again in the shoulder seasons.” When providing short-term visitor accommodation, council regulations need to be adhered to. “If you're planning to let to visitors for more than two nights, you will need to register your intention for Visitor Accommodation and this will apply to one let of no more than 28 nights. If you are planning to let visitors up to 90 nights per year with a minimum stay of three
nights, you will need to register for free as a holiday home with Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC). Any more than this and you need to apply for resource consent,” said Kahl. QLDC has a simple questionnaire on their website to register. Once the regulatory duties are complete, cleaning and laundry are the next to conquer. If you are going to manage it personally, it’s very important to ensure that guests understand the rules. Upsetting neighbours and not dealing with rubbish properly has become a real problem in Wānaka. “The best thing to do is get a property manager to look after the house on your behalf. If you are just planning to let for a couple of weeks over Christmas and New Year’s Eve, ideally you can get a friend to look after your place. Most cleaning companies and property managers will already be fully booked with their long-term clients over this period,” said Kahl. Renting your home through a property manager or Airbnb, is not the only option. House sitting and house swapping can be very convenient for pet owners. House and pet sitting often requires an annual membership however people from all over the world who are interested in visiting Wānaka will look after your pets and home for free. It might be as financially attractive as renting out your house for $1000 per night, but pets are happier at home and for many people, this is more important. Pet sitters will keep your home and pets safe and secure – and even water the plants, with the condition of having a free place to enjoy their holidays. Another option would be HomeExchange, a different and more local approach to travel. Basically, it consists in swapping your home and car with someone else around the world, saving money and giving the opportunity to discover local cultures and to immerse yourself in the life of the other host.
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HEALTH AND WELLBEING by Emily Herbert, The Body Garage
How to have a conscious, calm Christmas My name is Emily Herbert and I am a consumer. It’s true – I love things. You could say I’m somewhat of a hoarder. I mean, the discarded jewels I have found on the Upper Clutha Facebook page alone. I’M SAVING MONEY, I tell my partner. IT’S A BARGAIN. YES, IT’S MISSING A SLEEVE, BUT IT’S MONS! I am the perfect millennial candidate (although, between you and me, I fall somewhat outside the age bracket. Dammit.) for some heavy-hitting Instagram ads. Being a yogi doesn’t excuse me from some premium targeted selling. Things I didn’t know I needed, now sitting, nay, shimmering in my online shopping cart. A towel that doesn’t stick to sand? I’m in! A nifty thingymajig you stick in your mouth that both whitens your teeth and cleans your tongue? Give me two! The novelty of stuff, that euphoric rush of putting in my card details, my sins absolved and soul cleansed by the tantalising promise of a new me, de-sanded and teeth whitened. Then comes the online shopping hangover, akin to the
Christmas party and the unsavoury pick up of that guy that looked pretty cute four rosés deep. Regret, denial and a dawn dash, sprinting from tree to tree to avoid the early morning joggers. Wait, what? Christmas can be like this, times one gagillion. The frenzy of shopping, the mad purchasing rush to buy your partner’s cousin’s new wife a token thing to open on the day. This is usually me. I love giving presents. Love seeing people’s faces as they unwrap that thing I’ve thought about, found, bought, wrapped. Everyone needs another scented candle, amiright? But the reality is, my bank balance doesn’t love it – and neither does our landfill. One survey found one in 10 gifts end up in landfill – and this dirge of unwanted pressies is a real and palpable strain on our resources. The average Kiwi spends around $624 on Christmas each year, while according to the Sydney Morning Herald, an estimated $400 million was spent on 10 million unwanted gifts in Australia last Christmas.
Novelty items, candles, pamper products, pyjamas, slippers, underwear and socks are among the least appreciated gifts, according to a national survey. But while the waste, the single use plastic and the discarded food can leave a bad taste in your mouth, it doesn’t mean you have to go all grinchy. This is the first year that my family and I have opted for a Kris Kringle scheme when it comes to gift giving. We each have a member of the family to buy for, with a capped budget. It means we have more time and more money to buy something thoughtful. As an Australian, I’ve been scouring the Buy from the Bush Instagram page – a platform showcasing small country businesses with beautiful, conscious gifts; helping out small business owners in the bush during the worst drought in living memory. That platform has been life-changing for many business owners struggling to stay afloat. In Wanaka, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to thoughtful, conscious gifting. It may be an experience climbing the waterfalls with Wild Wire, a DOC backcountry hut pass for a year’s worth of
tramping, a meal out, a keep cup, a Pilates package at a local studio, a massage, a pass for Bike Glendhu. One thing yoga has taught me is that, amid the hurry and rush, we have a choice. You can choose to be flustered and hateful of a busy and potentially wasteful time of the year. You can choose to disconnect and throw your hands up in the air, say no to it all – the pressies, the food, the stress. Or you can choose to model the behaviour you’d like to see more of. Find the pockets of grace. Lean in. Wrap your presents in newspaper or scarves. Let the extended family know your kids don’t need any more toys, but they’d love something fun to do together. Make something by hand. Say no to the disposable cutlery or plastic packaging. Choose to find that equilibrium. Love the good bits and discard the others. Amid it all, relish in the real flurries of joy. Family, friends, food. Love, the lake. A great book, a quiet cuppa. A glass of wine in the afternoon sunshine. Merry Christmas to you all. I hope it’s the best yet.
Crown Range car park getting a facelift Get in the spirit of Christmas Ollie Blyth
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
The Crown Range carpark with get an upgrade but it is still illegal to camp up there.
Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
The Crown Range car park is set for an upgrade. Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) will be upgrading the Crown Range viewing point carpark, having obtained $193,000 in funding from Central Government’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund. Crown Range is under QLDC supervision and not NZTA, because “NZTA is responsible for state highways throughout the country. The Crown Range, however, is QLDC’s responsibility,” explained Jack Barlow, QLDC spokesperson. The upgrade will help provide a safer pull-off area for visitors to enjoy the vantage point over the Wakatipu Basin. The area also acts as a safe
PHOTO: Supplied
zone where tourist drivers can let backed-up traffic pass safely. “QLDC is aiming to make a very popular spot safer for all visitors — this includes locals and tourists alike. The improvements will not alter the current rules around using the car park for camping,” said Barlow. Which means, no free camping allowed. “The funding will cover improvements relating to access, sealing, viewing structures, guardrails, and parking enhancements. Educational information boards will also be created for tourists to view at the location,” added Barlow. When asked about the expected finish date, which seems to be running behind, QLDC spokesperson replied “details around the delivery date are still to be confirmed. However, it is anticipated that work will begin late next year”.
With Christmas fast approaching, many are looking for ways to entertain their families in the lead up to the big day. This weekend, a number of locals will be performing two shows of a revitalised nativity play called, Who is this baby? in celebration of Christmas’ origins. Jo Waide, one of the creative minds behind the performance explained that, “the show is about the first Christmas story, the nativity, but told through the eyes of a modern family reading a Christmas book around their Christmas tree. As they read, scenes from the story come to life. There is also a full music team who sing parts of PHOTO: Pixabay the story through carols and Christmas songs… Characters are in full costume Who is this baby? Celebrate the Christian Christmas story at New Life Church. and the lighting, sound, decorations and also be wonderful to have everyone sing along to interactive nature of the play should make some of our favourite Christmas songs.” it very special for the audience.” Who is this baby will be performed twice this “The original Christmas story is about courage, hope, love, and giving; it is the essence of what weekend at the New Life Church auditorium Christmas should be,” explained Waide. “We on Saturday December 21 at 3pm and Sunday wanted to retell the story but make it relevant to a December 22 at 10am. The event is free entry, modern audience. Seeing the scenes come to life however a koha will also be taken for the will be inspiring and fun for the audience. It will Community Networks foodbank.
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ADVERTORIAL
A Real Estate disruptor now in Wānaka STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
A new player has entered the local real estate scene, and is rumoured to be a ‘disruptor’ in Wānaka. Proppy’s real estate platform has recently just won the digital and technology innovation award at the Westpac Business Awards in Tauranga and has sold over $130million in real estate to date. Sellers can hold an online auction (much like trademe) which will be very relevant to the Wānaka market as many buyers are from out of town. Proppy also has the ability to negotiate online, complete an online tender using Proppy’s digital lockbox feature and you can even sign legal documentation online. Buyer and sellers who have used the system love it due to its simplicity and ease. “It is a proven method and Proppy.co.nz has already saved vendors’ commission in excess of $1.5million in NZ and at the same time achieving excellent prices,” said Hannah Walker, half of the husband and wife team behind the venture. "It’s the way of the future." Hannah said Wānaka buyers and sellers are now offered more choice, lower commissions and expert personal service with the owners of the online real estate agency Proppy.co.nz, taking up residence in Wānaka. They are competent, experienced and have active buyers on the database. Hannah and her husband Tyson Walker recently moved from Tauranga to set up home in Wānaka with their two young boys. For the last three years the duo has been operating in
real estate market nationwide with their low commission structure – only 1.5 percent + GST. The business is now in its fourth year of trading and it has been achieving impressive results. Whilst this type of digital purchasing may seem appealing to the younger digital generation, the reality is that the main seller demographic is people in the 55+ age group. Tyson puts this down to wisdom, “The older demographic tends to be downsizing and they are smart, they know every dollar counts. Our aim is to get sellers the very best price at a competitive commission rate.” Hannah pointed out that vendors and buyers are not left alone in the World Wide Web. “Each property is assigned a qualified real-estate salesperson to prepare marketing, do open homes, help with negotiations and ensure you get maximum sale price. For the Wānaka market that will be one of us” she said. “We love Wānaka and can’t wait to be part of the community full time. Our family has been holidaying here and been property owners here for the past 40 years so we know the place well. Finally, our dream of living in Wānaka full time has come true!" In the spirit of Christmas, and to mark their launch into the Wānaka region, Proppy is giving away a $500 prezzy card to those keen to know more. Simply look up the estimated value of your home in the Wanaka/Queenstown Lakes area on www.proppy.co.nz/Appraisal.aspx/ and you could be celebrating Christmas early with a $500 prezzy card. For those not looking to sell a property soon, it still pays to take a sneak-peek online and see the way the real estate industry is heading. Find out more at www.proppy.co.nz.
Hannah and Tyson Walker have brought innovative real estate company, Proppy, to Wānaka.
PHOTO: supplied
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Drone videographer wows with flood footage Caroline Moratti
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Pedro Pimentel is the brilliant mind, and hands, behind the viral footage of the Wānaka flooding that dominated Facebook pages. The Wānaka Sun spoke to him about his drones, the idea that started it all and what we can expect from Pimentel in the future going forwards. Pimentel first began an interest in photography at age five, taking after his father. This passion only grew with time; as a teenager Pimentel convinced his high school to install a dark room and at age 18 received his first digital camera which he used to document his travels around South America. His second love is outdoor sports, and he soon found himself creating and selling imagery for climbing magazines. Eventually Pimentel started moving more into video and moving images, finally starting his own production company, formally Pedro Pimentel Visuals, now Katalyst Media. He moved to Wānaka permanently in 2015 after realising its bountiful opportunities for outdoor activities and began working full time for his business. He’s been working with drones with 2013 but insists “I’m not just the drone guy, but I am very known as that.” Pimentel is quick to praise drone technology with its portability, cost and ease. “Before drones, you’d need to pay for a helicopter,
a special helicopter camera, time, preparation and it was so time consuming, you wouldn’t get the diversity you get with a drone today.” He admits that drones aren’t the solution for everything, as laws require special permits to fly around town or DOC land. Despite this, it’s clear to see the sheer versatility of drones in Pimentel’s videos. He first stumbled upon the idea for filming the floods when he wanted to help move a friends boat that was getting swamped with water. He admits he didn’t quite realise the extent of the flooding until he was up to his waist in it: “I was just thinking, wow, people should see this, they should probably move their boats,” and decided to use his skills to help warn people about the water levels. Pimentel’s partner pushed him to make the most of the opportunity to create a more professional video and he uploaded his first drone footage to Facebook. He admits that in the back of his mind, about 15 percent of him thought it could be beneficial to his brand, but mostly he created the footage because he enjoyed filming with his drones and creating something beautiful. Pimentel wasn’t planning on doing more than one video, but soon started receiving hordes of messages asking for more, from both Wānaka residents and NZ expats following the story overseas. His videos soon took off, receiving more than 70,000 views on one episode. Although he’s grateful for the brand exposure, he also describes
himself as “tired” and was happy when the flood died down. “It was taking a lot of time, it took about two or three hours to film, and then two or three to edit. Most days I went to bed at four or five o’clock in the morning.” Although struggling with the long days, Pimentel was determined to do his best and ride the wave of his newfound popularity, but his perfectionism meant each episode took longer and longer to shoot. He’s surprised at how quickly the videos took off, but also notes that the attention died down in a surprising way, with his last video only receiving 15,000 views. This, however, he admits is still pretty incredible considering his earlier videos would struggle to push past 1-2000. Grateful at the reaction, Pimentel says that as an artist, “You want to reach people, you want to connect with people, and I did have a lot of connections, a lot of conversations, more conversations than I could actually keep track off.” Looking forward to the future, Pimentel is toying with the idea of releasing a coffee table book for next year, but first wants to gauge interest. The one thing he’s sure on is that “It’s definitely not going to come in time for this Christmas because I need to sleep.” As the floods die down and Wānaka returns to normal, Pimentel reflects on his time in the spotlight. He’s proud to call this place home and says: “This
PHOTO: Supplied
Pedro Pimentel enjoyed viral success with his drone footage of the floods.
town looks incredible, even in the middle of chaos, I think in a way I successfully managed to capture that.” If social media is anything to go by, we’d say Wānaka agrees with that.
Top tips for freedom campers Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Freedom camping in Wānaka.
PHOTO: Supplied
Whether you are a tourist or a local, freedom campers must abide by the same set of rules. “Responsible campers should leave no trace and help keep our communities and natural environment free from pollution and waste,” says Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC). QLDC allows “responsible camping” in certified self-contained vehicles only, and the Ballantyne Road service hub is open to such vehicles until March 2020. The rules about freedom camping apply to: cars, vans, motor caravans, campervans, RVs, motorhomes, caravans and mobile homes. Remember: don’t camp on private land; don’t leave behind rubbish or toilet waste and use public toilets if you don’t have a selfcontained vehicle. A certified self-contained vehicle must meet the caravan self-containment standard, which means that it is adaptable to live in it for three days without getting more water or dumping waste. It must have: a toilet; fresh water storage; wastewater storage and
a rubbish bin with a lid. If that’s the case, the certificate warrant card must be displayed at all times. Fully self-contained vehicles are needed for the protection of the environment as well as to prevent the ick factor of other people stumbling over human excrement on tracks and beaches. Always, always, always use public toilets (or your own); use a designated wastewater dump station for your sewage sink water; use your own facilities for bathing, washing, and toileting to keep our environment clean and pollution free; dispose of your rubbish and recycling in the bins provided or at the transfer stations and least but not last, always park in the areas specifically designated for your type of vehicles. If you are unsure of any local rules, check out the summer camping FAQs on QLDC’s website. Don’t forget the service hubs in Queenstown or Wānaka which have rubbish and recycling disposal services. Every infringement comes with an instant $200 fine with a court fine of up to $10,000 for major dumping of waste, such as a campervan emptying its sewage tank onto public land.
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Check before you dip
To avoid a mouthful of toxic algae, check water quality before you go for a swim.
Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Although you might be fooled by the recent wet weather, summer has arrived which means that Otago Regional Council (ORC) is monitoring popular swimming spots around Otago, from now until the end of March, to make sure they’re safe for swimming, with even more precaution PHOTO: Supplied due to the uncommon quantity of rainfall seen in Aspiring Hut has been jointly managed by NZAC and DOC for 30 years. the last few weeks. “Summer recreation monitoring occurs at one spot in Wānaka, at Roys Bay Shore. The nearest monitoring site is Lake Hāwea Holiday Park. Water quality in Wānaka is generally safe for recreational activities, however – as with all recreational sites – there can be a heightened health risk after heavy or prolonged rain,” said a spokesperson from ORC. The water is regularly tested for bacteria that can make people sick, from skin and eye irritations to upset tummies. “Freshwater can contain diseasecan work together to get the best outcome,” said causing bacteria and potentially toxic algae, and Francesca Maria Nespolo Lindsay Smith, president of the New Zealand – depending on their concentration – there is journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz a risk to people’s health when they consume Alpine Club, On 11 December 1989, NZAC and DOC signed “For me, the greatest success has come from or come in contact with contaminated water. a management agreement after deciding there the passion of the people involved. Whether were mutual benefits in sharing responsibilities Alpine Club members or the department staff, for the huts that the New Zealand Alpine Club everyone I have dealt with has a genuine love for (NZAC) had built. Since then, the iconic the Matukituki Valley and the mountains which Aspiring Hut has become increasingly popular line both sides. That tends to make discussions With only eight with walkers, mountain bikers and family groups, pretty straightforward – what’s important for the days left in the with more than 3,000 people overnighting there long term of the area – comes first. With that as academic year, last summer season. a focus, the practical implications of who is to Jim Pickett joined “I think the secret of the agreement’s success is do what in any situation usually follows quite his older brothers that it is not a list of things that both sides must naturally,” added Smith. Rex and Vince at do; but I think we both see it as a framework “The establishment of the agreement broke Hāwea Flat School which sets out how we discuss any issues which new ground,” said Mike Tubbs, DOC’s Central on December 10 arise. While there are certainly practical details Otago operations manager. “Managing the huts (but those eight included, it has been the flexibility to discuss on behalf of NZAC allows for revenue to be used days, when you’re a whole range of principles which has led to for the maintenance of the valley’s hut network. five, are SUPER its long-term success. So, when we get issues It is satisfying to see the original vision of the important). like increasing usage or rotting wall boards, the agreement, to ensure that the huts and associated discussions haven’t immediately focused on facilities are managed to be used and enjoyed by PHOTO: Lisa Hodge who’s responsibility these are, but on how we all, has been upheld,” concluded Tubbs.
Alpine Club and DOC celebrate 30 years together
PHOTO: Wānaka Sun
Because ORC is not a health agency, we do not monitor particular instances of people getting sick from freshwater contact,” explained an ORC spokesperson. Otago generally has good water quality, but even sites with good water quality can be affected by heavy rainfall that washes contaminants off the land and into the water. “The latest water quality results for Lake Wānaka will be available on LAWA’s website. We recommend that people avoid swimming in lakes and rivers for at least two days after heavy rain or if the water is murky and you can’t see your toes when standing calfdeep, and that’s certainly the case for Wānaka after the recent flooding,” recommended the ORC spokesperson. When asked if ORC would be responsible if someone got sick in an area that was promoted as safe, the answer from ORC was straight-forward: “No. The monitoring data we provide through LAWA helps people make a decision about when and where to swim, but it is only a snapshot in time and water quality can change quickly”. Therefore, before you head to your favourite beach, river or lake this summer head to the LAWA website to confirm the water is safe for swimming.
Freedom camping infringements will be fined Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Council is providing free access to two-hour service hubs to give campers the opportunity to use facilities to dispose of rubbish and human waste. If freedom campers choose to dispose otherwise, the money they set aside to have a good time in New Zealand, will be spent on fines. Craig Gallagher, Responsible Camping project manager said everything comes with a price tag. “There are a number of infringements we can issue depending on what the issue is, all are $200.00. Infringements can be issued for not being in a self-contained vehicle, freedom camping in a prohibited area, failing to leave an area clean and tidy and freedom camping the same location for more than two consecutive nights.” Knowing the right thing to do – in New Zealand – is important. “While most Kiwis and international
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visitors care about the environment, we all have different understandings of what it means to look after a place. As visitor numbers increase, so too does their collective impact. Department of Conservation’s approach is to educate people on the right behaviours when visiting conservation areas,” said DOC’s heritage and visitors director, Steve Taylor. “We share these messages in a number of ways, for example on our website and via social media, via visitor centres and from rangers on the ground,” said Taylor. DOC’s advice regarding litter and toileting is clear. “Litter harms our environment, our soil, our waterways and wildlife. Always be prepared to carry your litter away with you. If you see litter, the right thing to do is to pick it up, even if it's not yours. Food scraps are litter too. Tossing orange peels and apple cores into the bush might seem harmless, but it isn't. They can take years to break down and they feed predators like rats, stoats and mice. Protect our wildlife by packing away all
litter, including food scraps. Pack in, pack out. “About toileting: poo in a loo, and be prepared for when there isn’t one. Always go before you start your trip and take the opportunity when you see a loo. There are toilets at every DOC hut and campsite and at some popular car parks. However, there aren't any toilets on most tracks and even when there are, they are usually far apart. If you need to poop but there's no toilet, it's best to hold on until the next loo. However, if you can't wait, dig a hole well away from water and people. It's important to keep poo far from streams, lakes and other people. Option two is to carry it to the next long-drop toilet. Use a compostable bag and a poo pot or poop tube to transport your poo to the next long-drop or composting toilet. Do not put the bagged poo into flush toilets, containment vault toilets, motor-home dump stations, gardens or landfills/rubbish bins. If bagged poo isn't properly disposed of, it can block toilets and spread diseases,” said Taylor.
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Aussie dust a key to the future? Ollie Blyth
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
While it may look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book, these pink glaciers are more than imaginary. In fact, they’re right in the heart of the Mount Aspiring National Park and can tell us a fair amount about the future of our climate. Despite their storybook appearance, these local glaciers have a fair amount of science explaining why they have taken this hue. There had been some suggestion the phenomena was just watermelon snow, also called snow algae, which is caused by Chlamydomonas nivalis. However in watermelon snow, the pigment is in the snow and when it melts it looks like port wine. Whereas photographer Liz Carlson reported Mt Aspiring’s pink “was very clearly dirt and dust when you walked on it and touched it.” The most widely accepted explanation for the ‘flamingo glaciers’ comes from across the ditch. A senior lecturer in earth sciences at the University of Wollongong, Dr. Sam Marx, studied this kind of ‘dust migration science’ as part of his PhD. Marx explained the difference between the orange dust in town and the pink lemonade glaciers, “the snow fields appear pink because Australian dust grains are coated in iron – they are essentially rusty. This gives the dust a red/pink colouration when mixed with the snow. In addition to this, there is sometimes a red algae that grows on the ice after the ice has been fertilised by Australian dust or ash.
This also has pink colour when mixed with snow.” Local travel bloggerCarlson posted the unusual pink glaciers on their blog early this month after flying with Wānaka Helicopters over the national park, explaining in the post, “as we got closer and closer towards the first of the mighty glaciers, I pulled my sunglasses off to wipe them. Did I see things, or did the snow look, well, a bit red?” Carlson then posed the question, “While I’m no scientist, I wonder if this layer of red will exist in the ice to tell the story of the bushfires in a thousand years? The same way we could see the ash layers from ancient volcanic eruptions around the world now?” Dr. Andrew Lorrey, a principal NIWA climate scientist explained that, “there are long-term records of fires in ice but they’re more prevalent in the Northern Hemisphere… in the Greenland ice sheet.” Despite the signs that dust can leave signs of climate change in the geological record, Lorrey proposed that because glaciers are essentially ‘rivers of ice,’ the record of dust in our own local glaciers may be poor, and this is not optimised by rapid climate change. One of New Zealand’s most famous glaciers, the Tasman glacier, has been very quickly receding at a rate of 180m per year since 1990. It’s terminus, the Tasman Lake, didn’t actually exist until 1973. “It’s a fast-moving glacier… not like an ice sheet,” explained Lorrey, “because of flow in the glacier it’s not likely it will contain a long-term record.” However, Marx asserted that there is still hope to at least slow the effects of this intense climate
PHOTO: Liz Carlson (youngadventuress.com)
Pink lemonade? Flamingo feathers? These local glaciers are more than meets the eye.
change, and it might even exist in the dust itself, “this dust not only tells about past periods of drought and climate variability, but the dust itself also affects our climate. When it is in the atmosphere, dust blocks solar radiation, so it has a cooling effect. In addition, and very importantly, dust fertilises ecosystems by providing nutrients. Dust supplied nutrients are especially important for phytoplankton in the Southern Ocean, which are otherwise lacking in iron – which the dust supplies. Phytoplankton suck carbon out of the atmosphere as they photosynthesise, then once
the phytoplankton die that carbon is deposited on the ocean floor. This process is thought to be very important in regulating Earth’s climate, with increased dust production in the past linked to periods of climate cooling. Therefore because dust affects climate we need to quantify dust emissions to be able to understand how Earth’s climate has changed in the past and how it will change in the future.” Since Wānaka resident Liz Carlson published the images on her blog, the story has gone viral across multiple news channels across the world.
Wānaka’s voice heard on WellSouth board Ollie Blyth
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Wānaka’s own Dr. Susie Meyer is becoming a member of the WellSouth board.
PHOTO: supplied
After 25 years as the director and a GP at the Aspiring Medical Centre finishing in January this year, Dr. Susie Meyer has taken a position on the board of the WellSouth primary health network. An outdoor enthusiast originally from the US, Dr. Meyer did her medical training at the University of Auckland before settling in Wānaka. She appreciated both the clinical and business sides of working in general practice and counts treating minor traumas and teaching and communications skills as areas of special interest. “I want to look at health issues in a broader perspective,” said Dr. Meyer, “I want to focus on teaching and contribute to primary care at a governance level. In my role as a WellSouth board member, I hope to promote ongoing and positive communication between governance and clinical groups.”
WellSouth is the primary health network for the Southern district, responsible for the delivery of primary health care and supporting general practice teams in Otago and Southland. WellSouth chairman Dr. Doug Hill said that, “access to services in remote and rural areas, transportation and future workforce issues are items that are continually on our radar and Susie’s experience means she has valuable insight. We all look forward to benefiting from her years of expertise working in general practice in Wānaka.” Dr. Meyer also said that they are very excited to get working on the implementation of the Southern district’s primary and community care strategy, “practitioners are boldly stepping up to new ideas and the workforce is flexible and able to adapt to change. I think that there is a strong will to make this work, which is essential, and I believe the primary health network’s ability to offer support and listen to clinical feedback will be a key to the success of the strategy.”
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Guthrie Bowron Wanaka Wishes all its customers A Very Merry Christmas And thank you for your support through 2019. We look forward to working with you again in 2020 for all your Home decorating needs. Store hours over Christmas & New year Open 27, 30, 31 Dec & 3 Jan: 10am-3pm Sat 28 Dec and 4 Jan: 10am-1pm
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COMMUNITY NETWORKS WĀNAKA Help and advice
Lending a helping hand to our community Murray K Kate Community Networks Manager
Pest trapping teams have been buoyed by the grant money.
PHOTO: Supplied
Council approves ECO Fund recipients Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Otago Regional Council (ORC) approved the recommendations of the ECO Fund decision panel, with two local recipients in Wānaka. Wānaka’s Alpine Lakes Research and Education Centre “is very excited about receiving funding from ORC’s ECO Fund to facilitate a BioBlitz,” said an ALREC spokesperson. “Bioblitz promotes awareness of the importance of understanding the natural world, blending scientists, conservationists and community members together to record as many species within a designated location and time period as possible,” they continued. ALREC proposes to manage Bioblitz activities in two phases: a trial run with Makarora School in
February before a full community Bioblitz later on The new ALREC facility on Riverbank Road would be used as the base camp for the Bioblitz”. Another local grant recipient was Central Lakes Branch of Forest & Bird. “We are very grateful to have received ORC ECO Fund support for a pest trapping programme on Otago’s braided rivers. On Matukituki and Rees Rivers we have now deployed networks of live-capture traps that are monitored by satellite. When a trap is triggered we are informed by email and are then able to promptly clear and reset the trap,” said a spokesperson from Central Lakes Branch of Forest & Bird. The next round of funding will open on March 1, 2020, and anyone considering applying is encouraged to contact ecofund@orc.govt.nz if they have questions or are seeking advice on their application.
Grant recipients get Christmas boost from OCT journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
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given because we also need to keep the foodbank topped up through the year. Last year 75 Christmas hampers were given to families, and so far in 2019, 253 food parcels have been given out from the foodbank. Cash donations are also welcome as this enables to buy items not otherwise donated, both at Christmas and at other times of the year. This can be by cash at the office, or by internet banking to the Alpine Community Development Trust, 03 1739 0059339 02. All donations are gratefully received, but there is a particular need for the following: rice, pasta and pasta sauces, meat (we have a freezer), canned fish, crackers, biscuits, muesli bars, baking goods, toiletries and breakfast items. Please note that we do not include alcohol in hampers. Please label any home-made jams and chutneys with a description of the contents. Thank you in advance to all those who generously offer their time, food and financial donations to the Christmas hamper and foodbank. We wish you a happy Christmas and relaxing holiday season.
When life gets tough... SPEAK UP THERE IS A WAY THROUGH Mental Health Support Line 24/7 free call/txt 1737 Tautoko Suicide crisis support line 0508 828 865 In crisis phone the Mental Health Emergency team 0800 467 846 Wanaka Medical Centre 03 443 0710 Aspiring Medical Centre 03 443 0725 Central Lakes Mental Health Services, including Alcohol and Drug Service 03 440 4308 Central Lakes Family Services 03 441 4331 Depression Support Line 0800 111 757 Lifeline 0800 543 354 Youthline 0800 37 66 33 Healthline 0800 611 116 Alcohol & Drug Helpline 0800 787 797
Francesca Maria Nespolo
In total, just over $70,000 was granted by the Otago Community Trust across eight Wānaka-based community groups, such as: QLDC New Year's Eve Celebration; Upper Clutha Historical Records Society; Southern Lakes Arts Festival Trust; and the Alpine Community Development Trust. The largest was a $25,000 grant to the Kahu Youth Trust, seen as an increase on those previously awarded to them and as a reflection on the growth and demand for youth programmes in the fast-growing Queenstown Lakes district. A $15,000 grant was donated towards support the Warbirds Over Wānaka. “Warbirds Over Wānaka has had fantastic support from the Otago Community Trust over a number of years. The money for 2020 is earmarked to help us deliver many of our education initiatives. Our aim is to provide the spark which may lead many of our young and the not so young visitors to pursue an exciting and rewarding career in aviation,” said Ed Taylor, Warbirds Over Wānaka general manager. Wānaka’s new school Te Kura O Take Kārara received a bonus of $10,000, which is intended for building upon the outdoor plans that have been provided by the Ministry of Education for the new school. “The future additions to our existing playground and outside spaces will be made possible by the generous grants received this year. This will enable us to further develop spaces and places that reflect our values of
The organisers of the Harcourts Christmas food bank drive, due to take place on Thursday, are "absolutely gutted" to have to cancel the Wānaka and Hāwea segments of the street collection – a tradition which has run for 13 years. We are asking that people bring their donations to Community Networks at the new Community Hub on McDougall St on Wednesday (9am – 5pm) or Thursday (9am – 7 pm), so that those in need can still be helped." Christmas Food Bank Drive coordinator, Nikki McKay, says that the group had to take a "safety first" approach. "We don't want any of our volunteers to be put in danger, so we've had to call off the Wānaka and Hāwea street collection, which is a real shame. But that shouldn't stop people contributing." Hāwea residents can donate at the Community Hub or drop their donations to the Lake Hāwea Fire station or the Hāwea Flat Hall on Thursday evening between 5pm and 7pm. For home pickups in the Hāwea area phone Brent Arthur ph 021334482. Nikki said that for people in Luggate and Mt Barker, the collections WILL continue. "So please have your donations ready on Thursday, and listen out for the fire sirens and volunteer vehicles as usual, and bring your donations to the gate." Donations go mainly towards creating Christmas hampers of food and gifts for families who are finding that the high cost of living in Wānaka will make Christmas a struggle for them. We always have room for whatever is
Understanding Depression
For young people: www.thelowdown.co.nz For adults: www.depression.org.nz PHOTO: Wānaka Sun
Jodie Howard, principal of the new Take Kārara school, was happy to receive $10,000 for outdoor spaces.
whanaungatanga (relationships), sustainability, diversity, inclusion and for connecting with our families and the wider community,” said principal, Jodie Howard,. The $6,000 grant given to Wānaka Rowing Club Inc which will support the purchase of light/mid-weight double rowing boat, which can be used for both competitive and recreational sporting purposes.
A list of local counsellors, including subsidized counselling options, can be found on our website www.communitynetworks.co.nz or call (03) 443 7799.
34 McDougall Street, Wanaka
Your local resource hub for social wellbeing services.
THURSDAY 19.12.19 - WEDNESDAY 25.12.19
PAGE 15
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Zoi lands in 8th
It was a wet and wild day for the inaugural Stride Ride and Slide mini triathlon.
Zoi Sadowski Synnott finished eighth in the Air + Style FIS Snowboard World Cup.
Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
NZ snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott is currently flying back from China, where she competed in the finals of the Air + Style FIS Snowboard World Cup in Beijing. SadowskiSynnott finished second in her qualifying heat last Thursday but fell to eighth in the finals. Sadowski-Synnott, who is the current World Champion in women’s snowboard slopestyle, and a 2019 X Games silver medallist in big air, scored 165.75 points in the best-two-of-three run qualification, landing a backside 720 melon grab and switch backside 900 stalefish. The Air + Style is one of the world’s premier snowboard competitions running for over 25 years. “She grew up with the dream of winning
PHOTO: FIS Snowboard Chad Buchholz
Olympic and X Games medals,” said Alex Kerr, Communications Manager at Snow Sports NZ. “Zoi has grown up in Wānaka, training at the Snow Park (now closed) when she was younger and now at Cardrona Alpine Resort. Cardrona is the home resort for the NZ park and pipe team (freeski and snowboard) so all of our athletes base themselves in Wānaka for the winter and train there. Zoi went to school at Mt Aspiring College in Wānaka and finished year 13 last year so she is very much a Wānaka local,” shared Kerr. Sadowki-Synnott was on solid form during the qualifying rounds and second in her heat, but couldn’t hold on to her landings for her three jumps on finals night and finished in eighth. The winner of the previous two Air + Style big air World Cups, Anna Gasser (AUT) finished second, Laurie Blouin (CAN) third.
PHOTO: Supplied
Mini-multisport slid into Wānaka Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
The steady rainfall over the past few weeks tried to drown out the inaugural Stride Ride & Slide mini triathlon held last Sunday at the Wānaka Recreation Centre but there was no way the weather was going to deter any of the young competitors, their parents or grandparents. With over 100 pre-registrations and at least 30 on the day, the excitement levels from Wānaka’s two-six old’s were high. The crowd was swelled by proud parents, older brothers and sisters as well
as grandparents all cheering the little ones on. As if the weather didn’t supply enough water, the local fire brigade were on hand to make sure the water slide was slippery enough for all to use. Despite the weather, everyone had a great time, giving children the opportunity to run, ride, and slide their way through a short multi-stage course as their first introduction to triathlon. They ran 50m, rode or trikked 150m, and then finished by zooming across a waterslide, powered by the local Wānaka fire service, to the finish line, with lots of ‘high-fives’ and the applause of their ‘support crew’.
Mt Aspiring brings home the gold
PHOTO: Supplied
From left: Niamh Townsend, Scarlett Norman, Abby Fisher, Estelle Gellatly, and Georgie Bruce (not pictured, Ryan Young).
Caroline Moratti
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Phone: 03 443 8000 Top of Helwick Street, Wānaka OPENING HOURS: 8AM TO 7PM 7 DAYS PAGE 16
Mount Aspiring College enjoyed unprecedented success at the recent NZ Secondary Schools Track and Field champs in Wellington which saw the college take out gold medals in two relay events alongside an individual bronze medal. Six MAC students competed at the December event which saw hopeful athletes compete in torrential rain and wind. The students had been training hard under the skilled coaching of Michael and Barbara Beable, producing four individual finalists in sprint events and one semi-finalist. Lincoln Bruce, team manager said: “The undoubted highlight came near the end of the meeting in the exciting relay events. After qualifying with the best time in the heats, the
THURSDAY 19.12.19 - WEDNESDAY 25.12.19
baton changes were slick in becoming national champions in the junior (U16) 4x100m and one hour later, in the 4x400m relay events.” Both Abby Fisher and Georgie Bruce excelled in heats and semifinals to line up in the same U16 200m final, with Abby coming third in a quality field of female sprinters. Niamh Townsend made it through three qualifying rounds to make the U16 100m final while Scarlett Norman reached the U16 300m hurdles final. Estelle Gellatly ran exceptionally well as a 13-year-old to make the U16 100m semi-finals. Ryan Young competed in long jump, triple jump and 100m hurdles. The medalists are: Gold in 4x100m relay: Estelle Gellatly, Abby Fisher, Georgie Bruce, Niamh Townsend. Gold in 4x400m relay: Estelle Gellatly, Scarlett Norman, Georgie Bruce, Abby Fisher. Bronze in 200m: Abby Fisher.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
SDHB diagnostics failure ‘a recurring theme’ Dear Editor I read Kate Callaghan’s story, as well as Paul Cosgrove’s and I’d like to share my story because the recurring theme is the failure of the Southern District Health Board to deal with cancer in a timely manner. I went to my GP in Invercargill twice in the month of October because I had lots of lumps in my breasts. On my second visit, on October 16, I pushed for more diagnostic imaging. Thankfully my GP did a referral without hesitation. I am 45 and I was in a lot of pain. I was the last patient on the day and the GP faxed through my referral to the hospital straight away. Two weeks later I thought I’d be naggy and see where referral was. The breast care nurse said ‘we haven’t received your referral’ so I really began to lose confidence. When I was talking to the nurse I said ‘I have a hard copy in my car’ so I got that copy to her immediately so I knew the paper was in the building. Another two weeks went by. Then in mid November I phoned again, and they said, ‘we have received it but it’s a four to six-week wait from here.” But it had been a month since my GP first sent my referral through, and two weeks since I had dropped off the hard copy! Then on November 18, I received a letter from the DHB stating, “we have received your referral at Kew hospital. You can expect a four to six-week wait.” What has happened from the last four weeks?” In between all of this I went to Pacific Radiology in Dunedin. (Private in Invercargill has not enough radiologists to service the machinery). To do this I lost a day’s wages, paid for fuel and had to pay the cost of mammogram of $250. I had to apply to the bank to get an overdraft to pay for this! Pacific Radiology immediately performed an ultrasound and their top radiologist said I do have lumps but they are just multiple cysts and should go away. However there was one small questionable lump that they will discuss with their team. The next morning I got a text saying I was completely fine. So I had a happy ending – and I feel so sorry for Kate who had a different ending. But the waiting, and the delay and the expense! I shouldn’t have to get an overdraft to pay for a mammogram when my breasts are clearly full of lumps! The whole journey was a dismal failure of the SDHB. It is systematically broken and causing people so much unnecessary stress. If Kate and Paul had been listened to, and diagnosed earlier, they wouldn’t be stage 4 now. I had a happy ending but what if it was worse? Regards, Diane Williamson
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To all our lovely readers, we wish you all a Merry Christmas. Enjoy the food, the presents, the magic and the joy – and the wondrous festive twilight zone where you have no idea what day or date it is. Wānaka has faced some challenges this year but now is the time to focus on kindness and grace; may we give it, and receive it, with thanks. From the team at the Wānaka Sun
Trustees from the Otago Community Trust visited Snow Farm and Te Kākano last week in their annual grant recipient visitation tour. “It is a really great way to see first hand how the grants we give are making a difference in the communities and also for trustees to meet the key people in the community groups,” said Melanie McAtamney. PHOTOs: Supplied
Crimeline HENDERSON I Ian Senior Constable, NZPD While Santa is waxing the skids on his sleigh and oiling the reindeer harness in preparation for his next dash around the planet, the list of incidents attended by local police grows. On Monday, December 9, Police dealt with two incidents involving a person breaching their court bail conditions. Four traffic incidents were attended during the week on the Cardrona-Crown Range Road,
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all involving poor driving. In each case the driver was issued with an infringement notice fine. Another complaint was received by Police relating to Facebook purchases of concert tickets where the money was paid and the tickets never arrived. This method of buying concert tickets is a favourite one for fraudsters so beware. On Thursday Police investigated a burglary at a vacant bach in Lake Häwea. The culprit(s) has been identified and referred to our Youth Aid Section. Owners of vacant holiday homes in the area please ensure that you have a friend or neighbour looking
after your property during the year. On Friday, a group of 14 adults decided to test out their cheap inflatable boat skills on the Clutha River (running at 400 cubics above normal) from the Outlet to the Red Bridge. Mayhem resulted with some rescued by jet boat, one tangled up in trees and one fished out downstream of the Red Bridge. Altogether a bad idea, not to happen again. On Friday night, three drink drivers were processed with readings between 299 and 1119mg, two will be having a conversation with
THURSDAY 19.12.19 - WEDNESDAY 25.12.19
the judge over in Queenstown in the New Year, and hoping that Santa brings them a skateboard. Police also dealt with three domestic incidents over the week, attended an assault outside a bar in Helwick Street, and took home two intoxicated males who were located asleep around the town (where were your mates?). With many work Christmas events being held this week, organise a ride home or chose a sober driver to be your taxi, or book the local taxi to get you home safely. Have a safe week.
PAGE 17
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10/26/2017 11:38:28 AM
Tarras Golf Club mens results December 7 Stableford Competition D Allen 44, D Wilson 36, S Johnston 35, B Rowley 34, J Lucas 29, G Lucas 25, G Rive 18. Nett Eagles: D Allen 4 and 9, Albatross No 13, G Lucas No 11, D Wilson No 17. December 14 Stableford Competition D Wilson 43, G Lucas 41, B Rowley 40, M Hyndman 37, D Allen, S Johnston 32. Nett Eagles: D Wilson 8 and 17, G Lucas 3, 9, and 17, B Rowley No 8, D Allen No 9. Birdies: S Johnston No 7. Wānaka Bridge Club results Wednesday – holiday pairs 2 North/South: 1st Dorothy McDonald Noeline Munro 58.24%, 2nd Sheryl Strudwick Helen Millar 55.08%, 3rd Nan Ottrey Jacqui
Roberts 53.85%. East/ West: 1st Boyd Ottrey Sandy Bryan 58.79%, 2nd Maggie Stratford Helen Henshall 55.63%, 3rd Ruth Coghill Vivienne Christie 55.49%. Final Ladder: 1st Maggie Stratford Helen Henshall 61.82%, 2nd Boyd Ottrey Sandy Bryan 56.24%, 3rd Doug Hall Judy Briggs 55.93%. Friday 13 December handicap: North/ South: 1st Ena Leckie Laraine Shepherd 58.56%, 2nd Judy Briggs Gerarda Herlihy 58.08%, 3rd John Schwarz Sonya Adams 54.36%. East/ West: 1st Jenny Sinkinson Harold Walker 62.05%, 2nd Murray Pryde Jenny Pryde 58.48%, 3rd Sheryl Strudwick Claire Romeril 52.50%.
THURSDAY 19.12.19 - WEDNESDAY 25.12.19
Wanaka Pharmacy is Merino, if anyone has your local pharmacy. any Merino clothing to spare could you kindly We’re the big drop it into the Salvation pharmacy at the top Army Family Store, 48 of Helwick Street - Helwick Street The Salvation Army open from 8am until Family Store is 7pm every single day. desperately needing Ph 443 8000 good quality mens clothing and shoes. If you could please just drop these into THANKS the store or phone Thanks to everyone for a pick up for large who comes to amounts. Wastebusters to Volunteers welcomed donate goods, shop at The Salvation Army Family store if you and recycle. Your have some free time support helps us and would like to be work for zero waste part of a team which and a resourceful makes a difference, come and see us. community.
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SUN TEAM WĀNAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER ISSUE 953
Free delivery to Wānaka, Cromwell and surrounds, PO boxes in Makarora, Cromwell, Haast, Wānaka, Albert Town and Hāwea. Also distributed to businesses in the Wānaka business district Average circulation: 15,000 weekly. Phone: 03 443 5252 • Fax: 03 443 5250 Editor: Emma Conyngham • editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Journalist: Francesca Maria Nespolo journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Ollie Blyth • journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Caroline Moratti • newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz Advertising: Carrie Frew • 021 786 740 adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz Admin: Benn Ashford • 021 956 740 admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Mail: PO Box 697, Wānaka Deadlines: Display Advertising Classified Advertising Subscriptions: per year.
4pm Friday prior to publication. adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz 021 786 740 5pm Monday prior admin@thewanakasun.co.nz $175 within NZ (including GST) Overseas rates on request. Remittances to PO Box 697, Wānaka, NZ.
THE WĀNAKA SUN
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PUBLIC NOTICE
Wanaka Salvation Army Family Store. Opening Hours – Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, Saturday 9.30am – 4pm. We look forward to seeing you here! Donations kindly received. Please drop them into the Salvation Army Family store or ph 443 5068 to book a pick up. Cut rags (100% cotton) and drop cloths, only $7 for a big bag. Now in the yard container at Wastebusters. Open 9-5 seven days. Business Networking International. The Wanaka chapter of BNI meets weekly at 7am Tuesday morning. Great networking opportunity to grow your business. Contact Randal Dobbs for information 021 973 043 Rags, rags, rags ... little ones, big ones, cotton ones and drop cloths, available from the Wanaka Salvation Army Family Store 443 5068.
OTAGO REGIONAL PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN – COMMENCEMENT
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
New Year’s Eve and Fireworks
ART AT THE PACKING SHED
Queenstown Lakes District Council will host the annual band performances and fireworks at Wanaka Waterfront on 31st December 2019.
4 - 5 Jan. 2020, 10am – 4pm
Main Stage Performances will be from 20.00 to 01.00 with the DJ Stage from 21.00 to 01.00.
For any information see: www.qldc.govt.nz/events or contact Craig Gallagher on 021 041 0812.
This public notice is required by the Biosecurity Act 1993 to advise that a Regional Pest Management Plan has been made. The Otago Regional Council has made the Otago Regional Pest Management Plan (the Plan) in accordance with the Biosecurity Act 1993 s 77(1). The Plan commenced on 11 December 2019.
Art and craft stalls, Art exhibition, Live music Café open
68 Boulton Rd, Earnscleugh FREE ENTRY
The Plan is a key component for Otago Regional Council’s wider biosecurity programme and provides the regulatory requirements for priority pests across the region. Inspection and availability of the Plan Copies of the Plan can be viewed from 11 December 2019 during office hours at: • Otago Regional Council offices at: - 70 Stafford Street, Dunedin; - William Fraser Building, Dunorling Street, Alexandra - Terrace Junction, 1092 Frankton Road, Queenstown • Public libraries around Otago • The Otago Regional Council website at www.orc.govt.nz/pestplan Hard copies of the Plan are available on request by emailing pests@orc.govt.nz The documents can be downloaded free of charge from the Otago Regional Council website www.orc.govt.nz/pestplan For all inquiries please contact Otago Regional Council on 0800 474 082. Sarah Gardner CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Private Bag 1954, Dunedin 9054 • 0800 474 082 • www.orc.govt.nz
TARRAS COMMUNITY – PROPOSED PLAN CHANGE 5A (LINDIS: INTEGRATED WATER MANAGEMENT)
Wanaka Sun
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NOTICES
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thewanakasun.co.nz
N o t i c e b o a rd | P a p a P ā n u i Position Available Upper Clutha Liaison Manager The most beautiful District in New Zealand is currently experiencing high growth; this growth offers career development opportunities for enthusiastic, motivated and results-driven professionals like you. Who are we? The Queenstown Lakes District has enjoyed a long period of significant employment, visitor and population growth. Queenstown Lakes District Council is at the very heart of this growth, employing over 500 staff; we manage infrastructure development, corporate services, community recreational facilities and planning, building and other regulatory services. With this growth forecasted to continue, QLDC needs to be resourced to manage the associated demands. The Location Wanaka is nestled in the Southern Alps of New Zealand on the shores of Lake Wanaka and is rated as one of the World’s top destinations. It is renowned for its four distinctive seasons which offer snow-capped mountains during the winter months for snowboarding and skiing, and long hot days which are perfect for mountain biking, food and wine tasting or walking along the many trails Wanaka has to offer during the summer months. Thrill seekers, families and food and wine connoisseurs will all find Queenstown Lakes District the perfect place to call home. The Role The Upper Clutha Liaison Manager will be responsible for liaising with and supporting the Upper Clutha Community Board and providing a direct line of communication between the Wanaka Community Board, Wanaka Councillors and key QLDC employees. Effective relationship management will be central to the role in building a collaborative network within QLDC to seek a timely response to issues and enquiries. Key areas of responsibility: • Community Support • Communication • Relationship Management • Customer Service About You To be successful in this role, you will have: • •
If you, as a resident of the Tarras/Lindis area, have not received a letter (dated 15 or 28 Nov 2019) from the Otago Regional Council regarding splitting the total primary allocation limit for water takes in the Lindis catchment in Schedule 2A of the operative Regional Plan: Water for Otago into four separate primary allocation limits: Please contact richard.pettinger@orc.govt.nz (or by phone 027 625 7604) immediately for a copy, or find a copy together with further information at //www.orc.govt.nz/lindis so that we can ensure we have your response by the 24th December 2019. Gwyneth Elsum GENERAL MANAGER STRATEGY, POLICY AND SCIENCE
• • • •
A bachelor degree in a relevant discipline 5+ years’ experience of operating in an operational, managerial, facilitation, community liaison or senior communication related role The ability to persuade and influence to obtain optimal outcomes A generalist with the ability to represent the Council’s ‘can do’ attitude, whilst actin in a considered and professional manner Proven track record of developing and maintaining relationships across a broad range of stakeholders Highly motivated, achievement-orientated and innovative mind set
The Benefits • Competitive market remuneration • Career progression and training opportunities • Regular working hours • Subsidised Health Insurance • Discounted health and fitness club rates at our great facilities • Relocation allowance will be considered for the right candidates For more information on this role, or to apply, please visit https://qldc.qjumpersjobs.co
Closure of Streets to Ordinary Vehicular Traffic Private Bag 1954, Dunedin 9054 • 0800 474 082 • www.orc.govt.nz
Wanaka Sun
Public Notice | P ā n u i Meeting schedule for January 2020
TARRAS COMMUNITY – PROPOSED PLAN CHANGE 5A (LINDIS: INTEGRATED WATER MANAGEMENT)
Public Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 46 of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 that meetings of the Council will be held as follows, during the month of January 2020.
PURSUANT TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1974, notice is hereby given that the following road will be closed to ordinary vehicular traffic for the purpose of holding the QLDC New Year’s Eve Celebrations - Wanaka: Road to be Closed:
Ardmore Street Log Cabin Layby (excluding buses)
Period of Closure:
0800 Tuesday 31 December 2019 to 0300 Wednesday 1 January 2020
Road to be Closed:
Ardmore Street from Dungarvon Street to Lakeside Road
Period of Closure:
1700 Tuesday 31 December 2019 to 0300 Wednesday 1 January 2020
Road to be Closed:
Helwick Street from Ardmore Street to Dunmore Street
Period of Closure:
1700 Tuesday 31 December 2019 to 0300 Wednesday 1 January 2020
It will be an offence under the above regulations for any person otherwise than under authority of an authorised permit to use the roads for ordinary vehicular traffic during the period of closure.
Resource Consent Hearing (Varina Pty Limited RM181167) – Edgewater, Sargood Drive, Wānaka. Wednesday 15 January 2020 at 10.00am.
Private Bag 50072 | 47 Ardmore Street Wānaka Phone 03 443 0024 | www.qldc.govt.nz
Queenstown Lakes District Council – Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown. Thursday 30 January 2020 at 1.00pm. Meeting dates, times and venues are subject to change. All of the above meetings are open to the public. Some meetings may have items of business that will be discussed with the public excluded, as set out by the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987. Mike Theelen CHIEF EXECUTIVE
If you, as a resident of the Tarras/Lindis area, have not received a letter (dated 15 or 28 Nov 2019) from the Otago Regional Council regarding Private Bag 50072 | 47 Ardmore Street Wānaka splitting the total primary allocation limit for water takes in the Lindis Phone 03 443 0024 | www.qldc.govt.nz catchment in Schedule 2A of the operative Regional Plan: Water for Otago into four separate primary allocation limits:
THE WĀNAKA SUN
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.
Please contact richard.pettinger@orc.govt.nz (or by phoneTHURSDAY 027 625 7604) 19.12.19 - WEDNESDAY 25.12.19 immediately for a copy, or find a copy together with further information at //www.orc.govt.nz/lindis so that we can ensure we have your response by the 24th December 2019.
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A new lifestyle awaits. A superb range of villas and apartments is available now at Aspiring Lifestyle Retirement Village. Come in to view these beautiful homes, priced from just $649,000*.
Apartments Special Now On Phone 03 443 6660 Visit 14 Golf Course Road between 11am and 3pm www.aspiringvillage.co.nz *Sold under occupation right agreement.
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THURSDAY 19.12.19 - WEDNESDAY 25.12.19
THE WÄ€NAKA SUN