20-26 February 2020 | Edition 962 by Wanaka Sun

Junior athletes had a blast

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

Swim, bike run for little legs.

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Searching for Stephanie Volunteers gave their heart and soul.

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EDITION 962

Airport consultations “a sham”

The message was (very) loud and clear from those protesting the consultations. There was as much anger about the lack of democratic process as there was the airport itself.

Emma Conyngham

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

ouncillor Niamh Shaw summed up the current airport impact assessment consultations by saying, “councillors have had no input into the process: nothing to do with the Request For Proposals, choice of consultant, terms of reference/scope, or identification of key stakeholders.” Shaw goes on to say, “There is one context within which this is acceptable: that councillor involvement would have assigned these reports a status that simply isn’t merited. “These assessments are intended only to provide information; and nothing in the way of

recommendation. This was confirmed by Martin Jenkin’s lead consultant during a presentation to Councillors just over two weeks ago. “The second important factor is that, although this process involves some degree of engagement, it is neither full engagement nor comprehensive community consultation. Ultimately, the current engagement being undertaken by Martin Jenkins is no substitute for full consultation within the community directly affected.” Broad criticism has been lobbied at the process, particularly to the representation ratio. The Wānaka Stakeholders Group with over 3000 members got an invite for one person to represent them, whilst small groups with perhaps 30 members also got one invite. To

complicate it further, Roger Gardiner, who was representing Wānaka Central Business District Property Owners Group, says his group was split in their opinions; some want a new jet-capable airport and some don’t. How was he, one person, supposed to accurately represent what his membership wanted? Gardiner, and Michael Ross from WSG both complained of the narrow scope of predetermined questions, all aimed towards getting a predetermined answer. “We were being asked to provide input into a predetermined format. This restricted an examination of wider options. I think that when the input from all the sessions has been assembled/collated, it will represent a very generalised and broad brush data set. Time was

PHOTO: Wānaka Sun

short and there was very limited opportunity for open-ended debate and discussion,” said Gardiner. Ross was also deeply skeptical of what should have been an open and transparent process. “We did ask if there was to be a record of the meeting taken – to which the answer was no. When we asked if we could record the meeting – the answer was no and we were not permitted to take photos of the forum either. This did not feel like a local government type meeting at all which was a bit strange because by and large – most of the attendees all knew each other. We were also advised that Chatham House rules applied and that we were not to disclose who said what,” said Ross. Continued on page 5

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Next steps for wastewater overflows Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Queenstown Lakes District Council announced last Monday that it will not appeal the recent Otago Regional Council decision to decline its resource PHOTO: Wānaka Sun consent application to discharge untreated Queenstown Lakes District Council will take wastewater overflows. a community-based Submissions during approach to reduce the consenting process wastewater overflows. highlighted the community did not support the proposed approach, which has encouraged the council to consider new investment to address the risk of overflows from its network while continuing to protect public health. This alternative approach will see QLDC work with the community to ensure there is a clear understanding of what steps can be taken to help avoid overflows. Mayor Jim Boult acknowledged that the community had been very clear about their feelings on the resource consent application. “Much of the intent behind the application was one of education and reducing risk of overflows whilst endeavouring to reduce the occurrence of costly court cases. On balance, the Council has determined that investing in these new initiatives is preferable to continuing to litigate the issue through the courts. “We very much want to work closely with ORC to implement the programme of work outlined. Together, our approach will continue to be one that educates and mitigates risk, rather than just responding when things go wrong,” said Mayor Boult. QLDC Councillor and Infrastructure Committee Chair Quentin Smith stated that it was logical and positive to take a solutions-based approach rather than a consenting one. “We all have a role to play in ensuring our wastewater network is functioning well and I hope the community will support these programmes.” QLDC’s new work programme will include an education programme for residents, businesses and visitors about not damaging or blocking the wastewater network. However, Don Robertson from Guardians of Lake Wānaka said, “I would expect QLDC to contribute to baseline measurements of key water quality attributes of those lake areas (in all three lakes) most likely to be impacted by sewage overflows, spillage etc. I don’t see this in the QLDC list of actions.”

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Council calls a halt to water bottling Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Queenstown Lakes District Council has announced its support for a moratorium on commercial water bottling in New Zealand. At its meeting on January 30, councillors resolved to “request the Chief Executive to engage with the Otago Regional Council to explore any options to mitigate the impact of commercial water bottling based on the potential social and environmental impacts and concerns.” Mayor Jim Boult has also written to Environment Minister David Parker. Water bottling consents are under increased scrutiny nationwide. Last April, Christchurch City Council gave $50,000 to lobby group Aotearoa Water Action (AWA) towards the legal costs of its High Court action against Environment Canterbury consents given in Canterbury. In July, Upper Hutt City Council

member Angela McCleod spoke out against a consent granted by Wellington Regional Council in 2013 to bottle up to 180 million litres of water, which was not publicly notified. Regionally, ORC has issued three permits as of January 2020, including a permit for Koha Water (Dart River, north of Glenorchy) – although this consent has not been acted upon. Deputy Chair in the Dunstan Constituency Michael Laws said he was, “very disheartened at the prospect of the ORC issuing consents for the commercial bottling of our pristine waters. “In my view, it should cease the issue of consents, and I will be making representations to that effect.” On QLDC’s decision to join the movement to pause current and future consents, Councillor and AWA spokesperson Nikki Gladding said she was “a bit proud of QLDC,” adding that “our CE will see if we can work with the ORC to address the issue via the review of the Regional Water Plan.”

PHOTO: Supplied

Queenstown Councillor and AWA spokesperson Nikki Gladding was proud of QLDC’s decision to join the movement against water bottling consents.

Roundabout at ‘nightmare’ intersection to be fast-tracked Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

An upgrade of the intersection of State Highways 6 and 84 between Wānaka, Lake Hāwea and Cromwell has been brought forward, after the NZ Transport Agency’s request to include the project in the regional land transport plan for 2020-21 was approved by the Otago Regional Transport Committee. The decision to expedite a roundabout at the Mount Iron intersection coincided with the resource consent hearing held on Tuesday and Wednesday last week for the development of Mount Iron Junction, which would build accommodation units for up to 90 seasonal and long-term workers, next to the intersection. Roy Johnston, Team Lead Safety Engineers, stated that, while the development application led NZTA to review the intersection, “the main impetus for bringing forward the project is safety for road users and all people at the intersection.”

Johnston also acknowledged the intersection posed an “increased safety risk” given the increase in traffic over the last few years. Steve Schikker, director of Mount Iron Junction Ltd, said that whilst “pleased from a community safety point of view that NZTA have brought forward the timeline… this does not mean our resource consent application will be successful.” The Queenstown Lakes District Council recommended the panel decline the application at the resource consent hearing, but Schikker felt the panel was impressed with the “solutionsbased application,” the “detail in design,” and the “very strong community backing” for the project. The outcome of the hearing will be announced in six weeks’ time. There is currently no exact timeline for the roundabout’s development, pending consents and agreements.

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WānakaSAR and the search for Stephanie Simpson Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Searchers located missing hiker Stephanie Simpson’s body last Friday, February 14, after what appeared to have been a tragic accident in Mount Aspiring National Park. Sergeant Mark Kirkwood, who led the search on behalf of West Coast Police Search and Rescue, said the search team found Simpson’s body in the Pyke Creek area, near Brewster Hut, around 1:40pm. Kirkwood extended the Police’s condolences to Simpson’s family. He also thanked everyone involved in the five-day search, adding that it was “extremely challenging at times, especially in consideration of the terrain, and the work of all involved is to be commended.” Assisting the West Coast Police in the search were Wānaka Search and Rescue (WānakaSAR), a volunteer organisation made up of highlytrained teams, each with their own specialisation. Incident management, alpine cliff rescue, bush rescue, swiftwater/canyon rescue and search dog teams bring their own expertise and experience to every operation – and there are many. “We’re probably one of the busiest backcountry SAR teams in the country, just because we’re on the doorstep to Mount Aspiring,” said Chair and previous Wānaka Police Search and Rescue coordinator Aaron Nicholson (who recently retired after almost 31 years’ service). Since the start of 2020, WānakaSAR has carried out eight search and rescue operations, giving over 500 hours of volunteer time. “A lot of our guys are self-employed, so they walk away from a days’ wages to go and help a complete stranger… and they’ll do it day, after day, after day. That happens all over New Zealand,” Nicholson told the Wānaka Sun. Wānaka SAR attend all manner of call-outs, from avalanches, to kayaks being washed downriver, to dementia patients going wandering. Speaking about last week’s tragic search, Nicholson agreed that the terrain was tough, with scrubby bush and steep drop offs making it difficult to manoeuvre. “You’ve got your waterways and your tricky little canyons as well, so that always makes it complicated,” he added.

PHOTO: Supplied

The WanakaSAR swiftwater rescue/canyon team played a key role in the search for Stephanie Simpson last week. Pictured: Roy Bailey, Luke Fade, Rachael Moore and Scott Bewley.

Acknowledging that speculating on what may have happened “was for the police and the coroner”, Nicholson recounted the SAR team’s involvement. “One of the search dogs found the boots by the creek, and that focused the search on that creek. That’s where the canyon team was put in.” “One of the guys in the helicopter saw the pack further down… Finally, Stephanie was found in the water down there,” he said, adding that “we try and do our bit well, and leave the next bit to the police.” The WanakaSAR swiftwater rescue/canyon team is made up of 15 volunteers, with four working each day of the operation depending on the job required. “We try and make sure we’ve got the right people with the right skill-set, so they’re working within their envelopes,” Nicholson said. “But there is certainly an element of risk, and that’s why we need specialist people who are really good at what they do. These people do this all the time. They’re out jumping in waterfalls and canyons

on the weekends. It’s what they do for recreation.” The work of WānakaSAR is entirely publicly funded, and Nicholson is proud that they have a good profile in the area. “People recognise the work we do, and a lot of people from the area are outdoorsy people who think, ‘One day, it might

be me. It would be nice to help.’” It’s the same motivation for a lot of the volunteers, who are made up climbers, hunters, trampers and kayakers. “They want to know that if something goes wrong, the right people are going to come looking for them.”

Reinterpreting rates calculations Emma Conyngham

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

In Edition 959 of the Wānaka Sun, January 30, 2020, the story ‘Wait, what? Wānaka’s rates compared to Queenstown’ contained inaccuracies according to Queenstown Lakes District Council. The Wānaka Sun contended that a house with a CV of $1million in Wānaka pays higher rates than a house with a CV of $1million in Queenstown. QLDC has pointed out that the issue isn’t with the mathematics, but with the underlying premise that the CVs in Queenstown and Wānaka are of equal value. Stewart Burns, GM finance legal & regulatory pointed out that the average CV in Queenstown/ Wakatipu is $1,090k and therefore the owner would pay $3,239 per year in rates. In Wānaka, the average CV is $845k and the owner would pay $3,049 per year in rates – making Wānaka’s rates payments less than Queenstown’s. “Clearly, the rates payable for the average residential property in Wānaka is less than that

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paid in both Queenstown and Arrowtown,” said Burns. “It is true that some of the actual rates in the dollar are higher in Wānaka than other areas but that does not automatically lead to a higher rates bill. It depends on the CV of the ward in total, the CV of the property and the services received by the property.” Burns stated that Wānaka’s roading charges were higher because of the significant investment in roading due to the rapid growth of our district. “There are certain rates that are not district-wide due to the level of service in the wards,” said Burns. “In roading, there is as much roading network in Wānaka as Wakatipu yet it’s less populated. So decisions were made at a ward level, and those costs are assigned to the ward. It wasn’t found equitable that Queenstown should pay for Wānaka roads,” he concludes. However, our Aquatic Centre charges are higher because growth isn’t rapid enough and we don’t have enough ratepayers to service the centre – however, as the population grows in Wānaka, the cost of servicing per-household, could reduce. THURSDAY 20.02.20 - WEDNESDAY 26.02.20

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Airport consultations “a sham” Continued from page 1 Ross expressed concern last week that Martin Jenkins had been consulting with tourism operators before Christmas, a fact that Councillor Shaw clarified; “As I understand it, Martin Jenkins spoke to the following organisations early in the process, in order to set context and understand variables and background: QLDC, Queenstown Airport Corporation, Destination Queenstown, Queenstown Chamber of Commerce, Ignite Wānaka, Aukaha and Ngai Tahu Tourism.” As disclosed in Martin Jenkins’ methodology last week, the four scenarios the groups were asked to consider were: 1. No change in noise boundaries at Queenstown Airport; 2. Change in noise boundaries at Queenstown Airport; 3. Dual airports with scheduled flights from Wānaka and 4) New International Airport. The one scenario which currently has the biggest support – scheduled turboprop flights – was not even being considered. Ross continued, “The scenarios which were put in front of us were criticised, as one possible scenario which a large number of us supported was in effect status quo, but with turbo prop flights resumed in and out of Wānaka. This scenario was not one that Martin Jenkins has proposed – so we requested that this be created.” MartinJenkins had indicated that these focus groups will help inform the public survey that is shortly to go live so whether a turboprop service is included in the public survey will be very telling. The fact that there is an online public survey coming is confusing, because the methodology that the Wānaka Sun received last week, made no mention of public surveys – only focus groups. Whether the survey has been hastily added on as a last-minute addition or whether the methodology is not worth the paper it is written on is not fully clear. It was noted that the date stamp on the methodology was 12 Feb, 1.24pm – a mere two hours before emailing it to the the Wānaka Sun; a clear indication that it was

not an original document and had been edited/ truncated/censored. At a time when the public and media are loudly demanding transparency, this raises suspicion. As the consultation was getting underway, protestors made their voices heard outside the Lake Wānaka Centre, replete with a sound system playing the deafening sound of a jet engine. Whilst most of the protestors were opposing the airport, many were equally upset about the lack of democratic process. Activist, Anna Simmonds said “This is a combination of groups… members of all the community associations, Extinction Rebellion, WSG… we are deeply concerned about the lack of democatic process. I’ve printed out a giant sign from the Local Government Act on how councils are supposed to make decisions, and it reads like a comedy act compared to what’s going on now.” Simmonds pointed out that this issue isn’t just about the airport, and that in fact, some people who are pro airport or neutral are still concerned about the way the process has been handled and that the transparency of information and the inclusiveness of consultation have rendered the process broken. Councillor Shaw is well aware of the issues. She firmly believes this is about governance, process and consultation, not just the airport. “The community involvement in the economic and social impact assessment reports is being described as ‘consultation’,” she said. “However, Martin Jenkins is not consulting; it is conducting some level of community engagement. This is appropriate assuming the economic and social impact assessment reports are research. In other words: the sourcing and provision of data to inform future decisions, and similar to any number of reports generated by the QLDC. They should in no way be a recommendation or decision. “The Local Government Act clearly defines consultation and – as far as I understand it – this

community will be consulted on the future of our airport(s) during the masterplanning process. “It is my personal opinion that, in relation to the airport(s) issue, the areas of governance, process and consultation could do with some clarification and/or nurturing attention.” Shaw has been beating the democratic drum since she took office. At the December 2019 council meeting when the previously rejected SOI was hastily accepted by council, Shaw made her feelings clear by saying at the time; “Even being mindful of the requirement to move forward on the SOI I will not be agreeing to the revised statement of intent from August 2019. I am aware that this is at odds with many of my fellow councillors and it grieves me because I want to be part of a team which aims to get things done. However, a team works together in an open and collaborative environment to discuss options and come up with a solution. There has not been the opportunity to discuss and make this decision collaboratively. “I appreciate the council now finds itself in a position where it urgently needs to meet certain obligations. However, it is my position that the revised SOI wasn’t right in August, and it’s not right now... “Modifying the SOI is being presented as a poor use of time and resources. However cleaning up a mess is rarely an efficient use of time and resources...For me, the notice given us was insufficient time for councillors to work together and identify a solution that is not only acceptable to us but more importantly the

New date for Albert Town Community Association AGM The Annual General Meeting of the Albert Town Community Association will take place on Sunday, March 1, following its postponement in January. According to their website, the goal of the association is to “enhance the quality of life for the residents by being responsive to the needs, interests and priorities of the community and to promote the health, safety, common good and social welfare of the residents of Albert Town.” Five members of the committee will not be standing for re-election this year, and so the Association has encouraged residents to consider standing for and taking an active role on the committee at the meeting. The meeting will be held on Sunday, March 1 at 4pm at the Albert Town Fish Company pub next to the Four Square, followed by a social hour. – By Joanna Perry

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communities that we represent. Going forward, I would ask that further consideration is given to working collaboratively as a team in advance of these big decisions. We owe it to the community and our council to not make decisions such as this in haste and we can do better.” One thing that Shaw and Martin Jenkins have both elaborated at length, is that these reports are just reports – they are not recommendations. Martin Jenkins said, “There is no evaluation criteria as the analysis will not result in a ranking of scenarios. Impacts will not be weighted, by impact or by social or economic focus. An objective is to understand the range of views and perspectives on the impacts that affect the community and present these back. We will look to present as much relevant information as possible for each impact (economic and social) and estimate how these impacts will change under different scenarios. “Better information on the range and understanding of impacts, and how they could change under different scenarios, will allow decision-makers to make more informed decisions on future plans for the airports.” Shaw agreed by saying that these reports only provide data and information--not instruction. Actual decisions “will be made through the Statement of Expectation (a recent requirement for the Statement of Intent process, according to the Local Government Act) and Statement of Intent process to direct the QAC. Also, Council will fulfil some decision-making role surrounding the proposed masterplan process.”

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COMMUNITY NETWORKS WĀNAKA Help and advice

Exercise as good for the brain as the body Not everyone is sorry they don’t teach Latin in schools any more, but it sometimes has the perfect way of describing something. Sporting and educational leaders have long recognised that physical exercise is an essential element in mental and psychological health, a concept known by the Romans as mens sana in corpora sano; ‘a healthy mind in a healthy body.’ This philosophy underpins the vision of Wanaka’s Fit Collective, not only in its everyday work in supporting its members’ fitness goals, but in the fundraising work it does on behalf of Community Networks Wānaka. “Some days it’s not just about speed or distance – it’s just therapy,” said Kim Parry, business manager, the Fit Collective Since its inception three years ago, the Fit Collective, which was voted People’s Choice at the Ignite Business Awards at the end of last year, has raised more than $10,000 through quiz nights and fun work-out sessions perfectly aligned with this vision. Community Networks uses these funds to help people with the cost of seeing a counsellor. The Fit Collective’s latest fund-raising venture is the production and sale of cool purposedesigned ‘I’ve got your back’ tee-shirts (see picture). Priced at $35, they are available from the Fit Collective in Gordon Road in a number of designs and sizes, with proceeds going towards mental health in Wānaka. Call in and pick one up. In exactly the same spirit, the Wānaka Mental

First-time Lotto player bought her winning ticket from the local Four Square based on a ‘lucky feeling’. PHOTO: Supplied

‘I’ve got your back’ t-shirts are available from Fit Collective.

Health Peer Support Group organises a monthly ‘Walk for mental health meetup’ on the last Saturday of each month. Meet at 10.00am at the Edgewater Hotel Cafe, all welcome. The group also holds a monthly tea and chat meetup on the second Wednesday of each month at 6pm in the Plunket Rooms, 51 Ardmore Street. There are plans for more outdoor activities in the evenings and weekends, so watch this space. If you need advice on support services that might be available to you in Wānaka or if you need help with the cost of seeing a counsellor give Kate Murray at Community Networks a call on 03 443 7799 or email kate@ communitynetworks.co.nz. Or call in at the Community Hub, 34 McDougall Street. – By David Baker

PHOTO: Supplied

$500,000 winner was a first-time Lotto player Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

A‘lucky feeling’ is what led last week’s Lotto winner down to the Albert Town Four Square to purchase her first-ever Lotto ticket. The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, purchased her ticket just hours before the draw on Wednesday, February 5, and scored herself $500,000 with the first line of the ticket. “I said to everyone at home that I was feeling lucky. We were joking about it and I kept telling them I was going to win the big one with my first ticket,” the local lady told Lotto NZ. Later that night the woman was playing board games with her friends when they decided to watch the live draw on her phone. She took a

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screenshot of the numbers and asked her friend to read them out as she checked her ticket. “He read out the first few numbers and I was like ‘Yep, yep, yeah got that one, yep got that one.’… I stopped and said, ‘are you reading the numbers straight from the ticket?’ “I was sure he was having me on. But he was reading from my phone and all six numbers on the first line of the ticket matched. I just said, ‘Oh my God, we have won Lotto – it was a crazy moment,’ said the woman. “We were all jumping around,” she said. “It still doesn’t feel real – I’m sure that will change when we see it in the bank account, though,” said the woman. She plans to share the winnings with her family and invest for the future.

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QLDC appoints Upper New Blue Pools car park makes Clutha liaison manager room for a safer visitor experience Joanna Perry

Emma Conyngham

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has made an appointment to the role of Upper Clutha liaison manager, with Robyn Steel taking up the position in early March. Steel joins QLDC after an extensive career in both local and central government, with her most recent roles being city partnership manager at Porirua City Council and governance manager at Christchurch City Council. Originally from South Otago, Ms Steel has had a home in Wānaka for a number of years and is looking forward to making the Upper Clutha a permanent home for her family. Ms Steel said she was very excited about taking up the new role in the Upper Clutha. “I’m really looking forward to making more connections in a community that’s been a big part of my life, and being able to work alongside the Community Board and community on issues that will help shape the future of the area. On a more personal level, there’s also the added pleasure of being closer to home and family again,” Ms Steel said. Wānaka Community Board Chair Barry Bruce extended a warm welcome to Ms Steel on behalf of the Board. “I think I speak for all the Board when I say we are looking forward to working with Ms Steel in her new position and achieving significant progress on projects and amenities that enhance and benefit our communities here in the Upper Clutha,” Mr Bruce said. QLDC Governance, Engagement & Communications Manager Naell Crosby-Roe said one of the key priorities for Ms Steel will be ensuring the Wānaka Community Board is making the most of the opportunities its position provides.

PHOTO: Supplied

Robyn Steel has been appointed the new Upper Clutha Liaison Manager for QLDC.

“People often aren’t aware that the Community Board operates within clear terms of reference and with specific delegated authorities,” Mr Crosby-Roe said. “Ms Steel’s role will be helping the Board understand all the possibilities this affords them to be a voice for the local community on a broad range of topics, and ensuring that they are connecting with community effectively to hear the many differing views and voices out there in the Upper Clutha.” Steel will be based in QLDC’s Ardmore Street office from early March.

Cash for cancer and comedians Emma Conyngham

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The new Central Lakes Trust board met for their first grants meeting since elections were held late last year. “Less grant applications over the summer period have conveniently allowed the trust to ease our new trustees into their governance roles. The trust approved $184,632 in this funding round,” says Trust Chair, Linda Robertson. The trust also announced the appointment of Deputy Chair, Hetty Van Hale from Wānaka. Van Hale replaces Bernice Lepper, who was mandated to retire from the trust late last year. “Hetty was appointed to the trust in late 2018, and has a strong governance background bringing a wealth of experience to the role,” Robertson said. Amongst grants approved was the Southland and Otago branch of the Cancer Society of NZ who received $66,000 towards supporting those from our district diagnosed with cancer, as well as cancer-prevention activities. “A good portion of that money ensures patients and their families from our region can stay free-of-charge in Dunedin’s Daffodil House while receiving treatment. Known as a home away from home, this service is so important for our district,” Chief Executive, Susan Finlay says. Funding of $23,000 was awarded to Central Lakes Breastfeeding Charitable Trust which assists families by providing free lactation consultant support, advice and advocacy for breastfeeding mothers in the Central Lakes District. Arts On Tour which plays at 60 venues around the country, from 40 to 400-seat theatres again receives funding ensuring performing artists are

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PHOTO: Supplied

Brendan Dooley was a recipient of a Central Lakes Trust grant as part of ‘Arts of Tour’. He will be performing in Hāwea on March 5.

seen in the Central Lakes region. The tour focuses its programme on rural and remote communities, providing opportunities for these communities to access quality performances. “The upcoming artist is Brendan Dooley, who tours in early March in Cromwell, Arrowtown, Roxburgh, Alexandra and Lake Hāwea. Dooley will be performing at the Lake Hāwea Community Centre, Thursday March 5 at 4pm; ‘Mayhem! Ultimate Kids’ Show’ (suitable for children aged 5 – 14); and 7.30pm ‘Cheeky, Quirky and Classy – Ultimate Family Friendly Show’ (suitable for children aged 8+ and their parents).

A new car park and toilet block has opened at the popular tourist site of the Blue Pools, north of Makarora on State Highway 6. With an average 90,000 visitors per year, the Blue Pools’ popularity has resulted in an overflow of visitors and cars onto the highway, leading to urgent demand for a safer place for cars and buses to park – and for pedestrians to access the pools. The carpark, which opened last Thursday, February 13, is a joint project of the New Zealand Transport Agency and the Department of Conservation. It can be found further up the highway opposite the Cameron Flat campsite. DOC operations manager said DOC “considered various options and concluded that the Cameron Flats site was the best place for the new car park... to provide for visitor safety, the impact on the environment and to enhance the visitor experience.” Pedestrian access to the pools will be via an extension of the DOC track. Safe passage will add an additional 25-30 minutes walking each way, but with the promise of a new toilet block on return to the car park.

PHOTO: NZTA

The new visitor car park at the Blue Pools will provide space for 61 cars, 21 campervans and six buses over three terraced levels.

Wanaka local John Patrick was among the first to experience the new visitor setup. “[The walk] could be a bit longer, but if it stops the zoo on the main road, it has to be a good thing,” he said. The old section of the Blue Pool track will be closed off and returned to native bush, according to Tubbs. Simon Underwood, senior project manager for NZTA, added that the car parking area had been designed over three terraced levels to follow the area’s natural slope, with native plantings to screen it from the highway and help it blend into the national park environment. The parking area will provide space for 61 cars, 21 campervans and six buses.

Cardrona chief to step down and out of tourism Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Wayfare Chief Executive Richard Lauder has announced he will leave the tourism industry after the TRENZ convention in May 2020. Wayfare is the parent company to Real Journeys, the Cardrona Alpine Resorts, the International Antarctic Centre, Go Orange and Canyon Food & Brew Co. Fifty-six-year-old Lauder said that once the purchase of Treble Cone was completed, he felt the time was right to step down. Lauder became Chief Executive of tourism company Real Journeys in 2012, and is largely responsible for the company's massive expansion and rebranding as Wayfare. Chairman Jim Boult acknowledged that the company “tripled in size” in the eight years Lauder was executive. In 2013, the company purchased Cardrona Alpine Resort and started its summer operations as New Zealand’s highest mountain bike park. “Cardrona was a run down but much-loved ski area when we purchased the business in 2013,” said Lauder. “It has now been transformed into New Zealand’s most popular mountain.” The resort receives around 330,000 unique visits across the year from single, multi-day and season pass holders.

PHOTO: Wayfare

Wayfare Chief Executive and Tourist Industry Association Chair Richard Lauder will step down from both roles in May 2020.

According to Lauder, Wayfare’s ski portfolio was “capped off” with the purchase of Treble Cone in January 2020, bringing both local mountains under the Cardrona Alpine Resorts banner. Cardona Manager Bridget Legnavsky paid tribute to Lauder, saying that the resort “flourished” under his direction. “He has taught us to be brave and confident in what we believe in. He has set us up very well for the future, and we can only be grateful for this,” she added. Lauder will also resign from his role as Tourism Industry Association chairman. “I intend to be a tourist myself, travel and reconsider the next phase of my life,” he said.

Wanaka Travel Doctor Clinic Heading Overseas? Come and see the team at Wanaka Medical for travel advice and vaccinations so you can enjoy every moment of your holiday. Call us today to make an appointment and travel well.

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Junior Challenge athletes had a blast Ollie Blyth

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Just over 1000 young triathletes flocked to compete in the Puzzling World Junior Challenge last week. The majority of the Year 1 to Year 6 students came from the local Wānaka primary schools but some came from further afield. Each age group competed in different levels of competition and all had a great time getting some time out of the classroom in the hot weather.

With pure competitive spirit, students raced along the lakefront towards the ‘red carpet.’

In addition to the adult event on the weekend, some lucky youngsters got time off of school to participate in their own events.

PHOTOS: supplied

Every participant was handed a medal and a range of other items from Puzzling World after crossing the finish line.

Smiles all ‘round! The event was once again an overall success for those involved.

Students between Years 1 - 6 were welcomed to participate in the Puzzling World sponsored event.

Waste Free Wanda comes to Wānaka

PHOTO: Anna van Riel

Singer-songwriter Anna van Riel created the musical to help combat single-use waste in the district.

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

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

Performances of the long-awaited Waste Free Wanda musical are taking place in 11 Lakes District primary schools this week. Developed in partnership with Plastic Free Wānaka and QLDC, the musical has been written, scripted, recorded and rehearsed in just a few months by Hawea’s award-winning singer-songwriter Anna van Riel. It will attempt to help combat single-use waste in the district in a dynamic and entertaining way over a classroom period. “The show is based on an adolescent kid called Wanda, who discovers she has super powers. I

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won’t give too much away, but I can tell you that the show is a great combination of funny, emotive and musical,” said Anna. With a growing consciousness around plastic waste, Anna’s hope is that her show empowers audiences to “be the change”, as they laugh and sing along. “I’ve had a lot of help from amazing locals and family, and can’t wait to share it with our community,” she said. The tour began at Remarkables Primary on Monday and ends next Monday, February 24 in Arrowtown. Waste Free Wanda visited Wānaka Primary earlier this week, and will be in Take Kārara today, followed by Makarora and Hawea Flat primaries tomorrow.

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A clamp down on clamping charges Have your say on the future of Otago's natural Joanna Perry and physical resources newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Automobile Association and Consumer NZ have advised motorists that if their vehicle is wheel clamped, they should not be charged more than $100 to release the clamp after an amendment to the Land Transport Act, which took effect last month, placed a cap on fees by private wheel clamp operators. “Before the law change, wheel clampers could charge any fee they liked. Fees of $200 were common and in some cases were much higher than that. The new law makes it an offence for wheel clampers to charge more than $100,” AA principal advisor regulations Mark Stockdale said. Although the government first announced its intention to bring in the $100 cap in August 2018, advocating organisations warn that the change may still not be enacted upon. PHOTO: Wānaka Sun “If the law change fails to put a stop to the cowboy If drivers are wheel-clamped and the fee to release PHOTO: Joanna Perry ORC’s Regional Policy Statement will identify key issues for Otago, including how natural and physical resources practices of clampers, a ban on wheel clamping the clamp is more than $100, they should remind the will be managed. would need to be the next step,” Consumer NZ operator of the new law. law. If they are still asked to pay more, they should natural character, natural features and landscapes, head of research, Jessica Wilson said. Joanna Perry She advised that if drivers are wheel-clamped contact Police. “Wheel clamping companies can and urban form and development. newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz ORC has recently faced criticism for its and the fee to release the clamp is more than be fined up to $15,000 for breaching the law,” Ms The Otago Regional Council is inviting the management of regional water policy in Otago. $100, they should remind the operator of the new Wilson said. people of Otago to take part in a questionnaire Last week, their delay to new water quality to find out which natural and physical resources provisions came under fire from Michael Laws, they value or have concerns about in the region. Deputy Chairperson for the Dunstan Ward, The questionnaire is part of ORC’s new who said that in creating further changes to the Joanna Perry Regional Policy Statement formation, which sets Regional Plan, the organisation had “stuffed it newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz direction for what people and communities can up. Again”. In the same week, Mayor Boult sent and cannot do when using natural and physical a letter to Minister for the Environment David Eating locally produced honey may help ease resources – including air, coasts, freshwater and Parker on behalf of the Queenstown Lakes your hayfever, according to a local beekeeper. land. Minister for the Environment David Parker District Council expressing concern at ORC’s Hayfever is an allergic reaction to airborne has recommended that ORC prepare and notify issuing of a water bottling consent in the region. plant pollens. Old wives, homeopaths and a new RPS by November 2020, to be operative by According to ORC, information gathered from scientists alike have claimed honey as a cure, but April 1, 2022. the questionnaire, along with input from other the details are debatable. ORC Chairperson Marian Hobbs said, “Our stakeholders, will be used to refine a set of key issues Several studies have demonstrated the wellbeing and economy depend on having a for Otago going forward. Councillors and ORC positive effects of honey. In 2018, New York healthy environment. Our lives and those of our staff will then travel around Otago during March to dietician Tracy Lockwood-Beckerman reviewed children depend on protecting and managing meet with communities to discuss these issues in the evidence for health site Well+Good, natural and physical resources. We want you to more detail. With the venue still to be confirmed, a concluding that manuka honey in particular tell us about the resources that matter most to roadshow will be held in Queenstown on March 24. “was an effective treatment for nasal mucus, you and yours.” In the meantime, residents can visit www.orc. regardless of its source.” PHOTO: Reuben Ward Other topics to consider are ecosystems and govt.nz/RPS or call 0800 474 082 for a paper BBC Future ‘medical myths’ columnist Claudia “When you eat locally produced honey, you expose biodiversity, energy and infrastructure, hazards copy of the questionnaire to provide comment. Hammond counter-analyzed existing research yourself to small doses of local pollens, which helps and risks, historical and cultural values, heritage, Feedback will close at 9pm on February 25. last year, saying “it tastes nice, but any proof it you build up an immunity.” helps is currently lacking.” She did, however, nod and trace amounts are incorporated into the to a study suggesting that birch pollen honey was honey. It is coarsely filtered on extraction, so the effective against birch pollen allergies specifically. microscopic pollen grains remain.” This localised effect is how Wānaka-born For Ward, the effects aren’t restricted to Reuben Ward explained why his family, whose manuka honey. “Bees collect pollen from multiple Joanna Perry Central Otago beekeeping business is generations sources. In fact, honey from pastures around newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz old, believe honey can help hayfever. “When you where people live are the best for containing eat locally produced honey, you expose yourself pollens that we come into contact with often,” Consultation on Queenstown Lake Districts to small doses of local pollens, which helps you he said. “We have a lot of people buy Cardrona Council’s latest proposed speed limit changes build up an immunity,” he said. honey from us directly because they want a cure opened on February 14 for two weeks. “When bees collect nectar, they collect pollen, for hayfever, and many have good success.” QLDC began making permanent reductions to speed limits last week, following the adoption of the Speed Limits Bylaw 2019. From Monday, February 10, speeds were reduced on Aubrey Road, from the intersection with Anderson Road to the Albert Town roundabout, and the Cardrona Valley Road from the township to PHOTO: Joanna Perry the distillery. The next batch of proposed speed limit changes Next up for consultation in Wānaka are include Ballantyne Road, the unsealed section of proposed changes to Ballantyne Road (from Beacon Point Road (pictured), Cemetery Road, Mt. 80km/h to 60km/h Riverbank Road to State Aspiring Road near Roy’s Peak carpark, and the urban Highway 6, and from 70km/h to 50km/h area boundaries of town. Golfcourse Road to Riverbank Road), the issue, but there is only one objective – to make unsealed section of Beacon Point Road (from our roads safer for everyone,” he said. “We 50km/h to 20km/h), Cemetery Road (100km/h would like to hear from people throughout the to 80km/h), Mt. Aspiring Road near Roy’s Peak community to know what they think.” carpark (100km/h to 50km/h), and the urban Speed limit maps and feedback forms can be all dining tables until area boundaries of town (in which the 40km/h found on the QLDC website at: https://letstalk. limit which will be expanded). qldc.govt.nz/. Feedback can also be emailed to: the end of January. Furniture Craftman QLDC general manager property and letstalk@qldc.govt.nz, or posted to: Queenstown infrastructure Peter Hansby encouraged the Lakes District Council, Private Bag 50072, community to provide feedback. “Setting speed Queenstown 9348. Submissions close at 5pm on limits on our roads can sometimes be an emotive Friday, February 28.

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ADVERTORIAL

The roof is on! G.J. Gardner. celebrates milestone In a building boom town like Wānaka, roof shouts are a dime a dozen but this is no ordinary roof. GJ Gardner Homes is building a staff house for Wānaka Primary School (WPS) and it’s a project that celebrates community, kindness and generosity. “We’re giving back to the community alongside all of our trades,” said Paddy Kilbride, General Manager of GJ Gardner Homes. “Our contractors and suppliers have all been a part of the community for a while and we want to give back. Various groups and contractors have provided discounted rates and products for the new house,” he said. “We’re making it more affordable for the school so the school can provide an option for housing for staff. Wānaka Primary has also suggested a few things that they wanted such as upgraded insulation and windows to make its accommodation more environmentally friendly.” Around 40 suppliers and contractors are all giving their time and product at discounted rates bringing the build cost down to prices not seen for many years. ITM alone contributed the framing and trusses for a 50 percent discount. All those savings go back to the school. “We live in a town with increasing pressure on affordable housing and understanding this, the Board believes that being able to offer a modern and warm home to staff will help new or existing teachers to settle into Wānaka life,” said Mitch Campbell from WPS Board of Trustees. “Attracting and recruiting great staff ultimately benefits our children and the Board view this as a great asset for WPS.” With this project, the first of two staff houses, the opportunity to attract more teachers bodes well for the whole community. Kilbride thanks all of the contractors and suppliers who have given their time (and their discounts) to this worthy project; the generosity of everyone involved highlights what a great community Wānaka is.

The construction of the school staff house is a project that celebrates community for all the contractors involved.

PHOTO: Wānaka Sun

• Paterson Pitts Group Wanaka • Skip It • Extreme Scaffolding • Extreme Roofing • Continuous Spouting Otago • GH ceilings • Aspiring Glass • The Honest Cleaning Company • Flooring Xtra Wanaka • Central Heating Solutions • Otago Design PAGE 10

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OPINION

Shaun Gilbertson’s views on Airport Expansion in Wanaka The proposal for a jet capable airport by QAC and QLDC will, I think, bring unprecedented and unstoppable growth to our beautiful Wanaka. I’m not against growth at all, having been involved in the tourism industry for some thirty plus years, in the management of Cardrona Alpine Resort and until recently managing the Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds for the past 14 years. I get concerned that Auckland Airport is on a growth program to take its passenger movement numbers from 20 million through to 40 million a year by 2044. It is about to commence a $950 million upgrade to its terminals alone, plus a second runway. I get really concerned when I hear Mayor Jim Boult telling Luggate residents there will only be a couple of flights in and out a day. How can that possibly work? Mr Boult has been quoted as saying the Wanaka Airport development will cost $200 million to build initially. Where is the viability in that with only a few flights a day? Let alone the QAC boss Colin Keel telling us personally that it’s going to cost $300-400 million. Even if that is over a period of time, there still has to be a profitable business return to sustain that kind of investment. QAC projects capacity of 7.1 million passenger movements a year in the Southern Lakes by 2045, but with current noise boundaries are only able to handle a maximum of 3.5 million through Queenstown Airport. Even if the 7.1 million is wound back to 5 million as has been suggested by QAC’s CEO, that still leaves 1.5 million passenger movements a year without an airport to fly in or out of. Let’s be realistic – millions of passenger movements mean lots of flights. QAC’s projected aircraft movements for Queenstown by 2025 – just five years away - is 25,000 a year. That’s 68 flights a day –13 aircraft movements at peak hour. My concern is that Wanaka could

be forced to take a fair chunk of that growth– that’s a lot more than a few flights a day. I get even more concerned that our Deputy Mayor assured me that he would negotiate light rail from the airport into Wanaka. Bugger me, Auckland hasn’t even got light rail. Airports are notorious for not spending a dollar outside their front gate, and the local rate payer is left to foot the bill for all other infrastructure. For those who see the short-term advantage of a direct flight to Auckland being so convenient, then I think you should think again. That advantage of not having to take on the Crown Range and Queenstown’s traffic will quickly disappear when the traffic congestion will be here in Wanaka and will surround us all day, every day. Even Queenstown is going to suffer from a big airport in Wanaka – more than 50% of all those passengers will wind up driving to Queenstown. The very attractions and quality of life that made you choose to live in Wanaka or the Upper Clutha will change forever. And Wanaka will follow straight down Queenstown’s tracks. For your one flight a month or twice a year, we will have to put up with those 30 flights a day. Some say it could be 50 flights a day. Queenstown is currently doing 2.3 million passenger movements a year, 950,000 of those go to Milford Sound. So why don’t we encourage a chunk of those visitors to go in and or out of the totally under-utilised Invercargill airport which is actually closer to Milford Sound. Regarding the increased job opportunities created by a jet capable airport in Wanaka, I really only see more low-wage jobs, filled by overseas and itinerant workers. This will cause even greater accommodation issues that continue to plague our community. The existing local tourism operators will be under pressure from the corporates of the

industry who have very deep pockets and they will succumb to fierce competition that they have not even dreamed about. This can be seen all over the world. I have been involved in a majority of these so-called consultation processes, where it was obvious to me and others there was a predetermined outcome. In some cases, we weren’t even allowed to consider the negative points of a larger airport, only positive comments. At the Spatial Plan forums we weren’t even allowed to consider the expanded jet capable airport concept and its ramifications. I fear the MartinJenkins assessment will be more of the same. I’ve been in a meeting with Colin Keel, QAC’s CEO and several others where we asked, “will there be any international flights”, and were told there would be no international flights. The very next day a QAC spokesperson said there would be International Charter Flights. So, who knows what actually is the long term plan for Wanaka Airport. I believe we should have faith in “Our Wanaka Product” and take charge of our future accordingly. Mass tourism is a shortterm and ultimately fatal approach to growth and sustainability. I’m all in favour of a domestic link between Wanaka and Christchurch. Possibly by ATR aircraft or similar. I think this is a way for Wanaka to control its destiny, not Queenstown, not QAC and certainly not Auckland Airport. We should be conveying this to our elected representatives. Perhaps a sprinkle of truth serum could go a long way to find out what really is happening, very happy to drink from the cup myself. Wanaka and Queenstown, be careful what you wish for. These are the views and opinions of Shaun Gilbertson who has paid for the publication of this opinion.

Have your say on the future of Otago’s natural and physical resources ORC is responsible for managing Otago’s land, coast, air and water resources on behalf of the community, for our future. The Regional Policy Statement (RPS) sets direction for what people and communities can and cannot do when using these natural resources, or when they are subdividing or developing land. To help develop the new RPS, we’d love to know which Otago natural or physical resources you value or have concerns about. We’ve made a start on some suggestions for key issues our region is facing and want to hear what you think. Take the survey before 25 February at: www.orc.govt.nz/RPS or phone 0800 474 082 for a paper copy

Peninsula Bay open for all Emma Conyngham

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The committee at Peninsula Bay Community Facilities (PBCF) is opening up membership to all of Wānaka, to take advantage of the stunning facilities on Infinity Drive. The facilities feature a pool, toddler pool, two spas, a gym and a community room, all for $50 per month. Membership had previously been restricted to residents of Peninsula Bay however when the developer, Infinity Corporation, handed over the facility to the residents a year ago, the committee decided to loosen the rules. “It’s such a great facility that it’s a shame some people don’t have access,” said Patrick Ricci chair of the PBCF. “The pool is just fantastic for the kids in the summer and the adults use the gym year-round. We put a lot of effort into keeping the equipment well maintained,” he said. PBCF is a not-for-profit community group run by volunteers but the facilities cost money to run which is why memberships are flexible. The monthly fee recently went up $5 to $50 per month, but Ricci said, “Members have agreed to a small increase of fees to allow PBCF to build up cash reserves to be spent on improvements. Even after the small fee increase we still remain the best value facility in town by a country mile. Where else can you have a membership to a pool, gym, hot tubs and function room for your whole family that costs a little more than $10 per week!” Membership numbers have increased since the introduction of three and six months memberships which suit seasonal residents. “Society rules limit the number of members we can have so if someone is interested then it’s a good idea to join while there are spots available,” he said. For those wanting to join, contact info@pbcf.co.nz.

Next steps ORC will use the information from the survey to refine a set of key resource management issues for Otago. ORC councillors and staff will then tour around Otago during March to meet with communities to discuss these issues in more detail. We want to know what you want for Otago, what’s stopping us achieving this, and how we’ll solve those problems. Come along and have your say at: 6.30pm, 17 March in Oamaru 6.30pm, 18 March in Dunedin 6.30pm, 19 March in Balclutha 6.30pm, 24 March in Queenstown 6.30pm, 25 March in Alexandra (Venues to be confirmed) Sign up to our monthly newsletter at www.orc.govt.nz/onstream to be kept up-to-date.

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N o t i c e b o a rd | P a p a P ā n u i Proposed District Plan - Stage 3B - Summary of Decisions Requested - Late submission Queenstown Lakes District Council gives notice as of 20 February 2020 that a Summary of Decisions Requested and Web Mapping Application tool for a late submission to the Proposed District Plan – Stage 3B is available for inspection. Where can I get a copy? Please visit the QLDC website www.qldc.govt.nz/proposed-district-plan-stage-3b to view the following: • Summary of decisions requested • Copy of the late submission received • Address list of the person who has made the late submission • Form 6 for making a further submission • Web Mapping Application indicating land on which a submission has been made Hard copies of the summary and original submission can also be viewed at the following locations during business hours:

3 4 5 6

Whether you support or oppose the application. Your submission, with reasons. The decision you wish the consent authority to make. Whether you wish to be heard in support of your submission.

Any person may make a submission on the application, but a person who is a trade competitor of the applicant may do so only if that person is directly affected by an effect of the activity to which the application relates that: a) b)

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

You may make a submission by sending a written or electronic submission to Queenstown Lakes District Council (details below). The submission should be in the format of Form 13. Copies of this form are available on the website http://www.qldc.govt.nz/planning/resource-consents/ Address for Service for Consent Authority: Queenstown Lakes District Council Email Private Bag 50072, Queenstown 9348 Phone Gorge Road, Queenstown 9300 Website

rcsubmission@qldc.govt.nz 03 441 0499 www.qldc.govt.nz

Dated: 20 February 2020

Council offices: (open 8.00am - 5.00pm, Monday to Friday) • 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown • 74 Shotover Street, Queenstown • Wānaka Service Centre, 47 Ardmore Street, Wānaka

Signed by QUEENSTOWN LAKES DISTRICT COUNCIL

You can access the QLDC website www.qldc.govt.nz free of charge at the Public Libraries listed below: • Queenstown Library: 10 Gorge Road • Wānaka Library: Dunmore Street • Arrowtown Library: 58 Buckingham Street • Glenorchy Library: 13 Islay Street • Kingston Library: 48 Kent Street • Lake Hāwea Library: Myra Street • Makarora Library: Rata Road Please check www.codc-qldc.govt.nz for opening times. Who can make a further submission? The following persons may lodge a further submission: (a) Any person representing a relevant aspect of the public interest; and (b) Any person that has an interest in an aspect of the stage 3B proposals greater than the public in general. What can a further submission cover? Further submissions must be limited to matters in support of, or in opposition to, a matter raised in an original submission. How do I make a further submission? Written submissions may be made: By post: Queenstown Lakes District Council, Private Bag 50072, Queenstown 9348, Attention: Proposed District Plan Further Submission Via email: pdpsubmission@qldc.govt.nz (subject line: Proposed District Plan Further Submission)

Meeting Schedule for March 2020 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 March 2020. Audit, Finance & Risk Committee – Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown. Thursday 5 March 2020 at 10.00am. Resource Consent Hearing (J & J Cochrane RM190908) – Armstrong Room, Lake Wānaka Centre, Ardmore Street, Wānaka. Friday 6 March 2020 at 9.00am. Traffic & Parking Subcommittee – Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown. Monday 9 March 2020 at 9.00am. Resource Consent Hearing (Morven Ferry Limited RM181553) – Crown Plaza, Level 3, Beach Street, Queenstown. Thursday 12 March 2020 at 10.00am. Queenstown Lakes District Council – Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown. Thursday 12 March 2020 at 1.00pm. Resource Consent Hearing (Krel Limited RM190543) – Crown Plaza, Level 3, Beach Street, Queenstown. Monday 16 March 2020 at 10.00am. Resource Consent Hearing (C Swann & E, J & W Aubrey RM181958) – Edgewater, Sargood Drive, Wānaka. Tuesday 17 March 2020 at 10.00am. Planning & Strategy Committee – Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown. Thursday 19 March 2020 at 10.00am. Resource Consent Hearing (Kawarau Jet Services Holdings Limited RM181023) – Crown Plaza, Level 3, Beach Street, Queenstown. Thursday 19 March 2020 at 1.00pm and Friday 20 March 2020 at 9.00am.

Written submissions must follow Form 6 as prescribed by the Resource Management Act 1991. This form is available from the locations listed above and at www.qldc.govt.nz/proposed-district-plan-stage-3b

Resource Consent Hearing (Quail Terraces Limited RM191040) – Armstrong Room, Lake Wānaka Centre, Ardmore Street, Wānaka. Thursday 26 March 2020 at 9.00am.

All further submissions must be received by the Council no later than ten working days from the date of this notice being 6 March 2020.

Resource Consent Hearing (D & M Columb & Mitchell & Mackersy Trust Company Limited RM160923) – Crown Plaza, Level 3, Beach Street, Queenstown. Tuesday 31 March 2020 at 10.00am.

You must serve a copy of your further submission on the person(s) who made the original submission(s) that your further submission relates to, no later than five working days after providing Council with a copy.

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.

Not sure whether you can make a further submission? A duty policy planner can help - just call Council on 03 441 0499 (Queenstown) or 03 443 0024 (Wānaka).

Closure of Streets to Ordinary Vehicular Traffic

Resource Consent Application

PURSUANT TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1974, notice is hereby given that consideration will be given by Queenstown Lakes District Council under delegated authority, to the closure of the following roads to ordinary vehicular traffic for the purpose of holding the Southern Lakes Half Marathon: Road to be closed: Period of closure:

Mike Theelen CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Brownston Street from Dungarvon Street to McDougall Street Saturday 4 April 2020 from 0945 to 1130

Details of the resource consent application and submission forms are available in the offices at Queenstown Lakes District Council, Gorge Road, Queenstown; 74 Shotover Street, Queenstown and 47 Ardmore Street, Wānaka during normal office hours (8.00am to 5.00pm). You can also download these on our website. http://www.qldc.govt.nz/planning/resource-consents/notified-resource-consents-and-hearings/

Note: Residents within the closure area will have controlled access to their properties.

Benkris Farms Limited (RM191020)

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.

What is proposed: Subdivision Consent to undertake a 4 lot subdivision and Land Use Consent to identify two residential building platforms, one to accommodate a future dwelling and the other to accommodate accessory buildings, and to construct the buildings.

Those who have any concerns regarding the above closures, please contact Sarah Mitchell at APL Property Limited on 021 244 9988 or by email sarah.mitchell@aplproperty.co.nz before 5.00pm on Friday 6 March 2020.

The location in respect of which this application relates is situated at: 374 Luggate-Tarras Road/State Highway 8A, Hāwea Flat

Resource Consent Application Details of the resource consent application and submission forms are available in the offices at Queenstown Lakes District Council, Gorge Road, Queenstown; 74 Shotover Street, Queenstown and 47 Ardmore Street, Wānaka during normal office hours (8.00am to 5.00pm). You can also download these on our website. http://www.qldc.govt.nz/planning/resource-consents/notified-resource-consents-and-hearings/ 2.

TJ Berben and D Lawson (RM191380)

What is proposed: Application to undertake a five lot subdivision, establish a residential building platform on each lot, and associated earthworks and servicing. The proposed lots are as follows: Lot 1 1.85ha (location of existing dwelling and accessory building) Lot 2 2.26ha Lot 3 4.18ha net 4.18ha gross Lot 4 3.79ha Lot 5 7.96ha net 7.99ha gross Access is proposed from Te Awa Road. Water is proposed from an existing bore and all other servicing will be on site.

ADDRESS FOR SERVICE FOR APPLICANT: C/- Louise McLay louise@landpro.co.nz Landpro PO Box 302 Cromwell The Council planner processing this application on behalf of the Council is Kim Seaton, who may be contacted by phone at 03 443 0024or email kim.seaton@qldc.govt.nz. Submissions will be received until 19 March 2020 and must be served on the Consent Authority, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Private Bag 50072, Queenstown 9348 or email rcsubmission@qldc.govt.nz. These must be dated, signed by you, and include the following information: 1 Your name, email address (preferred) postal address and telephone number. 2 Details of the application in respect of which you are making the submission including location and the Resource Consent number. 3 Whether you support or oppose the application. 4 Your submission, with reasons. 5 The decision you wish the consent authority to make. 6 Whether you wish to be heard in support of your submission. Any person may make a submission on the application, but a person who is a trade competitor of the applicant may do so only if that person is directly affected by an effect of the activity to which the application relates that: a) adversely affects the environment; and b) does not relate to trade competition or the effects of trade competition.

The location in respect of which this application relates is situated at: 161 Te Awa Road, Hāwea Flat ADDRESS FOR SERVICE FOR APPLICANT: C/- Morgan Shepherd morgan@brownandcompany.co.nz Brown and Company Level 1, the Forge, Athol Street, Queenstown 03 403 2258

The Council planner processing this application on behalf of the Council is Erin Stagg, who may be contacted by phone at 03 450 0331 or email erin.stagg@qldc.govt.nz. Submissions will be received until 19 March 2020 and must be served on the Consent Authority, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Private Bag 50072, Queenstown 9348 or email rcsubmission@qldc.govt.nz. These must be dated, signed by you, and include the following information: 1 Your name, email address (preferred) postal address and telephone number. 2 Details of the application in respect of which you are making the submission including location and the Resource Consent number.

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

rcsubmission@qldc.govt.nz 03 441 0499 www.qldc.govt.nz

Dated: 20 February 2020 Signed by QUEENSTOWN LAKES DISTRICT COUNCIL

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

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THURSDAY 20.02.20 - WEDNESDAY 26.02.20

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun Views

thewanakasun.co.nz

CONCERT REVIEW

Beethoven’s birthday a delight The Lake Wānaka Centre was filled, nearly to capacity, on Saturday, February 15, for a highly anticipated and very warmly received violin / piano concert. The musicians were Justine Cormack (violin) and Kate Boyd (piano) who were performing the second of their three concert series to play Beethoven’s ten violin / piano sonatas, to mark the 250th anniversary of his birth. If that seems an improbably long time ago, recall that in the year of Beethoven’s birth, 1770, James Cook made a landfall to explore the Queensland coast of Australia, so it spans almost the entire European history of New Zealand. For the Wānaka recital the performers played sonata numbers two and three in the first half and then numbers seven and eight. The music was a delight to hear, it was fascinating to trace the early influence of his role model in the light enthusiasm of the works, particularly Sonata Number Two. In the second half, the C Minor Sonata, number seven, was much more brooding with louder expressive chords and a darker character overall but this was balanced with a lighter expression in the final work, the G Major Sonata, number eight. The wonderfully accomplished performers looked and sounded very comfortable in their playing. I thought the piano slightly overspoke the

PHOTO: Wānaka Sun

Justine Cormack (violin) and Kate Boyd (piano) played in honour of Beethoven’s 250th birthday.

violin at times and I wondered that the sound might have been more balanced if the reflector panels had been a little flatter and further forward, but nothing detracted from a sparkling performance. We were lucky to be on their circuit and hope that we shall hear more of their superb artistry in the future. – By Dennis Pezzaro (Editor’s note: with all the brouhaha over the government’s attempt to cancel RNZ Concert FM, it was a delight to see a packed theatre and not a cardigan in sight. My 8-year-old has been badgering me to learn piano after watching this performance – so raise your glasses to Concert FM and have faith that classical music is in safe hands with the next generation.)