Wanaka Sun | 21 - 27 May 2020 | Edition 975

Dave Vass

INSIDE THIS WEEK

Life in a wheelchair not holding him back.

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The Vincent family, from left to right : Kobe (6), Kahu, Savannah (9), Jade, and Roman (five months.) Life is back on track.

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PHOTO: Kahu Vincent

Assault victim Kahu Vincent has life back on track Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

ahu Vincent has spent the lockdown with his new baby, and he is relishing life.

Five years ago the father of three was brutally assaulted by Ahu Taylor and Leon Rowles at the Wānaka Night 'n Day. Taylor was convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to 10 years and eight months in jail with a non-parole period of five years. In 2015, Rowles was charged with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and sentenced to seven years and one month, with a minimum jail term of three years, six months, after appealing his original sentence of eight years.

After the assault, Vincent was in Dunedin intensive care unit for three weeks, then once out of a coma went straight to Wakari psychiatric

K

hospital. The hospital cares for people undergoing neural and physical rehabilitation.

“I don't remember anything about the assault,” he said. “I didn't know them - I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“Was it drugs and alcohol? I think so. They don't even know why they did it.”

His wife Jade Makuru watched the video footage of the attack and said it was “horrible,” “I only watched it afterwards because I knew that he was going to be ok. I couldn't have watched it if the outcome had been different,” she said.

Vincent was in Wakari for about ten weeks then went home for rehabilitation.

“The recovery was pretty crazy, there was rehab every day,” Vincent said. “I had terrible anxiety so that I couldn't go out anywhere.

“I had to learn to do everything again. It was frustrating – I couldn't play golf any more.”

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After two years rehabilitating a home, which involved speech, occupational and physiotherapy Vincent went back to his profession as a gib stopper, setting up his own company, Aspiring Interiors.

“I went back to work a couple of years after rehab – I have been back about three years now,” he said “I started my own business- I thought it would be easier because I could do my own hours. I employ two people. Last year was a good one.”

Vincent and Makuru have three children- the youngest is just five months.

The road to recovery has been difficult, Vincent said, but there has been a lot of support which has made it easier.

“I think we were lucky we were in Wānaka because it's such a small community- it would have been different if we had lived in a big city,” Makura said.

And plans for the future? “Work,” Vincent said.

“And I want to get into more things.

“I don't play golf anymore- it just got hard.

I used to play golf almost every day. It's been a pretty big change. These days I like gaming- it's good for my head.”

Anxiety is a big problem for her husband, Makura said.

“He was not afraid of anything beforehand but now going out in crowds, he just can't do it.

He gets overwhelmed. Which makes it hard as a family going on holiday or doing anything fun with the kids, it is difficult because he won't last as long and wants to go home.”

But the couple are just grateful that five years down the track since the attack, life is getting back to normal. Just happy that Kahu has recovered and they have a happy healthy family and a thriving business.

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ORC seeks community experts WAI to submit on Water Plan Change 6AA to shape Otago’s future Pat Deavoll Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Over the next two weeks, the Otago Regional Council (ORC) is seeking expressions of interest from people in the community to be part of reference groups for input into its new Regional Policy Statement (RPS).

“We’re looking for people with skills in topics ranging from hydrology, public health, tourism, and heritage issues, to ecology, urban design, farming, climate change and more,” said ORC chair Marian Hobbs.

At a meeting on April 22, councillors voted to go ahead with an alternative option for community input due to coronavirus. This alternative involves forming small reference groups of experts to give input and provide feedback about the proposed content of each topic of the RPS. “This is a rare opportunity to shape Otago’s future,” Hobbs said. “We know our community is filled with people who are passionate and knowledgeable about Otago’s natural and physical resources, and we want to hear from them.

“The RPS is the region’s most significant policy document, under which all of our other plans and policies sit, so these reference groups will really be a means for people to apply their

expertise to Otago’s future in a significant and meaningful way.”

ORC is seeking expressions of interest by 27 May. PHOTO: ORC Policy direction papers are being ORC chair Marian Hobbs: In particular, we want prepared that use the to hear from people information gathered who can bring specific from an online survey knowledge, experience and community and insight to the table. meetings held earlier this year. The content of these papers will be discussed by the topics’ reference groups at a series of virtual workshops – one per topic – and will go on to inform the new RPS. Each reference group will have approximately ten people, although the complexity of some topics may require bigger groups. The reference group process will occur in two sets, with the first covering two weeks from 22 June, and the second covering two weeks from 20 July.

The time commitment from participants will be a minimum of a half day to join in the online reference group discussion, and then time across the two-week period to provide written feedback.

To find out about what’s involved or how to express your interest, please visit www.orc.govt. nz/RPSgroups or call 0800 474 082.

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) Water Plan Change 6AA, which delays new controls over contaminant and nitrogen discharges, took effect last Saturday (May 16).

New rules controlling the concentration threshold of contaminant discharges and nitrogen leaching were supposed to be in place

by April 1. Adopting Plan Change 6AA gives the regional council more time to complete a new Regional Land and Water Plan by April 1,2026.

Landowners will not have to get a short-term resource consent to continue permitted activities.

WAI - Water Action Initiative - may submit to the Environmental Protection Authority, manager Julie Perry said last week.

“WAI’s main focus will be the Water Quality Plan Changes, where we will be able to advocate for many of the actions in our community catchment plan.’’

Water takes and flows are outside the scope of WAI Wānaka, she said.

WAI recently completed a community catchment plan for the Upper Clutha. It covers current and future risks to freshwater resources.

Last year Environment Minister David Parker demanded the regional council overhaul its planning framework, after Professor Peter Skelton reported the council had underinvested in science, planning and hydrological modelling.

Environment Minister David Parker

PHOTO: NZ Govt

Skelton said there had been a lack of clear and robust minimum flow regimes, a failure to address over-allocation of water takes and, despite having had a 30-year transition period, the council would not be able to meet the 2021 deadline for renewing Otago’s 100-year-old mining water permits.

The Environment Protection Authority will call for submissions on the plan changes before hearings are held in the Environment Court.

Regional council chairwoman Marian Hobbs said the council was grateful David Parker had agreed to the council’s request to call in the omnibus plan changes.

“This will shorten the lengthy process of finalising plan changes, and deliver certainty for Otago communities much sooner,’’ Hobbs said.

Queenstown Airport welcomes back domestic flights Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Queenstown Lakes and the North Island were reconnected by air last Saturday when an Air New Zealand flight from Auckland touched down at Queenstown Airport.

Queenstown’s first scheduled domestic flight in 43 days had arrived from Christchurch the previous Thursday, after New Zealand transitioned to Alert Level 2.

Queenstown Airport Corporation chief executive Colin Keel said “We were thrilled to welcome domestic scheduled flights back to Queenstown Airport this week and the first flight from Auckland today.”

Keel said that, while it has been a very challenging few months for everyone given the significant impact of coronavirus on the aviation and tourism sectors, as well as the broader regional economy, the local airport community remained strong, committed and resilient.

“Many in the community have been asking for flights to resume at Queenstown Airport, whether

for personal or business reasons, so it was indeed a special moment today when our team and the wider community could celebrate this milestone,” he said. “Bringing back domestic air travel to the area is a welcome step forward to recovery.

“Kiwis have told us that they are ready to travel and it’s been heartening to hear from locals and domestic visitors today that the Alert Level 2 health and safety protocols are working well, “As an active member of the New Zealand Aviation Coalition, Queenstown Airport has been working hard with other airports, airlines and government departments to ensure there are consistent health and safety protocols and processes in place to facilitate domestic air travel across the country,” said Keel.

Air New Zealand’s head of Tourism and Regional Affairs Reuben Levermore said it was great to be flying into Queenstown again. “We feel the pain that the tourism industry is going through at present, and the best thing we can do is to help get the country moving again,” he added.

“While we aren’t yet in a position to offer as many seats as we’d like, we will be building back our

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Queenstown’s first scheduled domestic flight in 43 days arrived from Christchurch last Thursday, after New Zealand transitioned to Alert Level 2.

schedule in response to demand, and continuing to work alongside our partners in Queenstown and the wider region including Queenstown Airport, regional tourism organisations, and chambers of commerce to support winter tourism and the broader economic recovery.”

At Alert Level 2, access to the airport’s terminal

building is restricted to ticketed travellers and airport staff. The airport’s international terminal remains closed until trans-Tasman flights resume.

Queenstown Airport is part of a wider group working with the governments on both sides of the Tasman to reopen the border between New Zealand and Australia.

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Lakeland Adventures seeks reserve licence Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

In its first meeting post lockdown the Wānaka Community Board had to decide whether to grant a lakeside reserve licence to Lakeland Adventures on the Roys Bay land where the log cabin, due for removal, sits.

Lakeland Adventures sought approval for a branded nine-metre trailer on-site, a towing vehicle and the ability to rent lake equipment and sell guided commercial tours from the site.

Deputy Mayor Calum MacLeod said supporting Wānaka companies during the fallout from coronavirus was of the utmost importance.

“That we have a vibrant lakefront is important while we rebuild Wānaka post-coronavirus,” he

said. “We need to be doing all we can to help these businesses.”

A spokesperson for Lakeland Adventures said the business was “wanting to continue operations in the face of economic turmoil, especially in the tourism sector.

“A decision for the log cabin to be removed has created additional uncertainty to the business, and therefore a new beach license has to be applied for.”

The 20-year lease of the foreshore site expired in 2017 and has been on a monthly tenancy since, to allow for the implementation of the Lakefront Development Plan.

“With the current tourism market there is going to be a need to be lenient to businesses to ensure they keep operating into the future as they have done safely for the last 30 years,” the

Northlake recreation reserve weeks away

spokesperson said.

Community board members Niamh Shaw, Jude Battson and Quentin Smith had concerns with the proposal, ranging from safety to signage and accessibility to the site for the public.

“One of my big concerns is the scope and scale of activity, which I feel is significantly more than what currently happens,” Shaw said.

Battson and Smith both questioned the branded trailer, with Battson saying she considered it a building and Smith questioning the signage “which is 20 times more than other beach licenses and represents billboarding on council reserve.”

Macleod noted Lakeland Adventures' long track record of responsible business at the site.

In the end, Lakelands’ proposal was passed four to three.

PHOTO: QLDC

Calum MacLeod: Supporting Wānaka companies during the fallout from coronavirus is of the utmost importance.

MAC parents submit letter of concern to Ministry

PHOTO: MAC

The Ministry of Education has received a letter from parents of students stating a lack of confidence in MAC governance.

Pat Deavoll The 1.2ha recreation reserve at Northlake is the largest of its type in Wānaka.

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

The completion of the 1.2ha recreation reserve at Northlake - the largest of its type in Wānaka - is only weeks away from being completed, according to developers Winton.

“The Cook Brothers team is straight back into it and working hard to get the reserve completed as soon as possible before winter,” read a Northlake Facebook post. “It is looking so good and we can’t wait for the community to make use of it when restrictions are lifted.”

The reserve will include a multi-purpose sports court, basketball half-court, outdoor fitness zone and a pergola with a BBQ, seating and tables.

“Intensive planting complements this expansive area with established shade trees and native species throughout,” said Sonya Fynmore, media relations representative for Winton.

Looking at the wider development of

PHOTO: Supplied

Northlake beyond the reserve, Fynmore said Winton’s priorities were on building 300 sections and nearly 50 houses.

Fynmore also confirmed that the controversial development of a new hotel at Northlake Hotel had not yet been tendered, nor a contractor appointed.

Wānaka Community Supporting our Northlake Neighbours Inc (WCSNNI) filed an appeal against the resource consent decision last July. The decision to approve the hotel - which went ahead despite widespread opposition from residents and Queenstown Lakes District Council - was met with outrage amongst the Wānaka community.

However, WCSNNI later withdrew their Environment Court appeal when the Ministry for the Environment turned down a request for funding for legal assistance in October.

“The project will go out to tender when market conditions demonstrate it is sensible to do so,” said Fynmore.“Once construction begins, we anticipate an 18-24 month build timeframe.”

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Ministry of Education has confirmed it received a letter from 49 parents of pupils at Mount Aspiring College asking for an investigation into the lack of governance at the school. This followed the recent resignation of two board members and a vote of no confidence in the principal Wayne Bosley.

The letter, drafted by three parents, was addressed to Otago and Southland education director Julie Anderson.

Those parents, who wished to remain anonymous, shared it with others.

The letter said that parents wanted to “place firmly on the record a vote of no confidence in MAC’s board of trustees”, including the principal.

Issues raised in the letter included a lack of a stakeholder engagement plan and a lack of school leadership. This was further highlighted by several employment relations failures and nondisclosure agreements, the letter said.

The Ministry said it would support the school as it took steps to resolve the issues the parents

had raised, as well as issues identified by a recent Education Review Office [ERO} report for 2019 which deemed the school “developing.”

“We will continue to work with the board to support resolution of the concerns raised and offer any assistance that may be needed,’’ the Ministry said.

One of the two board of trustee members who resigned was previous chairman Glenn Peat.

Peat told the Wānaka Sun that he resigned from the board because he felt “misrepresented”, and experienced personal conflict in speaking for the board when he held a different view to the majority of his fellow trustees.

“I believe that as the governing body of MAC, the board should not only instigate change as required but act with honesty, integrity and transparency,” he said.

“When elected to the board, I felt motivated and excited to bring about positive change within the school. It became apparent that the board was continuing to take the same approach as the past while expecting a different outcome - which is not a logical process.”

Board chair Ed Nepia could not be contacted.

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Missing link between Hāwea Flat and river track obtained Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

A new walking and cycling track linking Hāwea Flat with the Hāwea River Track will soon become a reality, the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust (UCTT) announced yesterday.

Since developing the Upper Clutha Walking and Cycling Strategy in 2006, the not-for-profit organisation has been working to create a track network that links all the Wānaka communities together, providing recreational and commuter opportunities.

Made up of eleven members of the Wānaka community, plus representatives from the council and Department of Conservation, the trust has been working to link Hāwea Flat to the river via the historic Newcastle Road. A cycle path along the length of the public road has already been built, and this route will now be continued west across Devon Dairy Farms’ land to join up with the Hāwea River Track.

UCTT chair John Hare said the only way to achieve this short but critical link across private

land was to come to an agreement with the landowners, Devon Dairy Farms Ltd. “They recognised the benefits the track will bring to the community and have recently signed an easement in favour of the UCTT. The trust can now build and maintain the track for the community,” Hare said.

Devon Dairy’s managing director, Erynne Fildes, said he was very happy to enable this missing link in the network. “We are honoured and proud to enable the long awaited joining of the Hāwea Flat community through our land to the existing Hāwea River Track, thus making the experience greater for the wider community.

Enabling a community experience like this is personally rewarding,” he said.

UCTT plans to commence track construction next spring. The 1.4km easy grade track will continue west from Newcastle Road, cross under the busy farm access road then join the Hāwea River Track about 2km downstream from Camphill Bridge.

Funding has already been secured from the Central Lakes Trust, Queenstown Lakes District

PHOTO: Supplied

A cycle path along the length of Newcastle Road has already been built, and this route will now be continued west to join up with the Hāwea River Track.

“We are very grateful for the funding we have Council and the Otago Community Trust to complete what will be a $233k project. UCTT is received towards the completion of this confident it is a worthwhile investment and will project. We will certainly be celebrating with be used regularly for recreation and commuting. an official track opening,” Mr Hare said.

Wānaka foodbank one of 12 to receive OMCT donation Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Wānaka food bank has received a donation from the Otago Masonic Charitable Trust (OMCT).

In May OMCT, which is the umbrella charitable arm of the Masonic Lodges in Otago, donated $50,500 to twelve food banks across the Otago region.

The impact of the coronavirus crisis has

resulted in a huge increase in demand for food bank services and Otago has felt the impact.

The trustees of the OMCT were aware of this increased demand and felt the Trust should provide funds to help.

Grants have been made to food banks in; Oamaru, Dunedin, Mosgiel, Milton, Balclutha, Lawrence, Alexandra, Cromwell, Queenstown and Wānaka.

This demand is expected to continue, and potentially increase when the Government wage

subsidy ends.

Chairman Central Otago sub branch of the Otago Masonic Charitable Trust Nick Langley said the OMCT annually gives out approximately $65,000 to $75,000 in the Otago region to charitable organisations.

“This year due to coronavirus it became extremely difficult for our committee to meet and to discuss grant applications.

Therefore, we decided that the money that would have normally been used for

this to be donated to the food banks in Otago.

“The Trust was started in the 1960's and the money we use comes from the interest and dividends from donated or bequeathed money. I feel it’s important to point out that this is not redistributed money gained from fundraising but new money into the economy.

“There are nearly 50 Masonic Trusts doing similar things around New Zealand.

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Like looking after sheep: a World Bee Day peek into the beehive

Sense of goodwill as children return to schools Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

At June 2019, there were 924, 973 registered beehives in New Zealand.

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

May 20 marked World Bee Day, established by the United Nations (UN) to raise awareness of the critical importance of bees and other pollinators to the health of our planet and its people.

While in many countries, bee populations are in decline - impacted by disease, pests, climate change and intensive agricultural practices - the New Zealand honey bee population is healthy and continuing to grow. There were close to 100,000 beehives in New Zealand in June last year, and New Zealand is ranked seventh in the world for bee population growth over a decade.

“It’s been encouraging to see the growth in our industry supported by an ongoing interest in beekeeping as a career, with apprenticeship applications continuing to grow year on year,” said Apiculture New Zealand chief executive Karin Kos. “Having a professional apprenticeship scheme supporting up and coming beekeepers is critical to the long-term future of our industry and in ensuring a consistent best practice approach to bee health.”

The Wānaka Sun caught up with long-time beekeeper Steve Wootton, of Taylor Pass Honey.

The company has been operating in Wānaka for the last five years, keeping over 3,000 hives during the season, but Wootton’s family have always lived here. Taylor Pass has two local girls apprenticing with them, one of whom ( Jessica Curtis) received the Apiculture New Zealand Ron Mossop Youth Scholarship last year.

Wootton said that the founding pillars of the company were their relationships with landowners - by housing their hives on local

PHOTO: Doug Logan

stations, such as the Wānaka Lavender Farm, they produce pastoral honey that can be fully traced back to individual farms, providing landowners with a unique local product - and putting the bees first in everything they do.

Since the arrival of the varroa mite in New Zealand in 2000, honey bee populations have depended on human help for survival.

“Without regular treatment and monitoring, our bees would be in serious trouble,” said Kos. Beekeepers have to actively monitor and treat bee pests and diseases, as well as ensuring bees get adequate nutrition and are safe and warm in their hives.

“Keeping beehives is like looking after livestock,” agreed Wootton. “It’s a lot of responsibility.”

Taylor Pass Honey works hard to ensure that they position their hives in areas where the bees will be well fed at different times of the year, in line with the Trees for Bees New Zealand Research Trust initiative. This non-profit organisation promotes smart planting for healthy bees, particularly on farmland. It researches the best plants for bees and, to date, has overseen the planting of 70,000 bee-friendly plants across New Zealand.

There are many ways that New Zealanders can support honey bees and beekeepers this World Bee Day said Kos. She encouraged people to plant bee-friendly plants in their gardens, especially those that bloom in autumn and early spring, when bees often struggle to find food.

Kos added that the best way to support bees was to buy New Zealand honey. “I encourage people to check their local stores or find a local beekeeper and discover what their regional honey tastes like, as it varies so much across New Zealand,” said Kos.

Wānaka schools have seen the vast majority of children returning through their gates this week after New Zealand transitioned to Alert Level 2 last Thursday, with the overriding feeling being one of excitement and community.

Wānaka Primary Principal Wendy Bamford told the Wānaka Sun that, after starting back with just 6 percent of students at the start of Alert Level 3, this Monday, 565 of their 585 students 96.5 percent - had returned to school.

Bamford said that all students and staff were pleased to be back, and that parents had been “fabulous” at following precautionary measures, such as ‘kiss and drop’ duties, and staying away from the school gates.

“From our bubbles in the first two weeks, to everyone returning today, there have been happy faces and laughter, and a sense of order and calmness despite the distancing, sanitising, handwashing, surface cleaning and staggered breaks that we have in place,” said Bamford.

“Children have slotted back into routines so well,” she said. “Teachers have embraced the concept of distract and engage - today, I saw many

classes talking about their feelings with regard to lockdown. I have been so proud of all of the staff as they have risen to the challenge through the whole process.

“Showing the calm 'we've got this' approach we have been nurturing as children came back to school yesterday has paid off… We have had happy, settled children right from the beginning of the process.”

At the secondary school level, Mount Aspiring College (MAC) has seen 94 percent of students return to campus this week. Principal Wayne Bosley echoed Bamford’s sentiments in a letter to parents, praising the “fortitude and adaptability” of students, who were adhering to the rules - such as hand sanitisation on entrance and exit of each class.

“There has been a real spirit of goodwill around school today with excitement levels high across all year levels,” Bosley reported. “It has been heartening to see the camaraderie and fellowship remain strong despite this extended time away.”

Meanwhile, a MAC sixth form student told the Wānaka Sun returning to school had been quite the transition. “It was pretty weird to see so many people in the same space again, and everyone’s still having to get back into the swing of things.

It’s certainly a change from doing school in bed!”

“All guns blazing” for Mitre 10 Three Parks completion Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Construction of the Mitre 10 Mega store in the Three Parks business centre is back on track with “all guns blazing” after the coronavirus outbreak caused delays of six to eight weeks, according to Mitre 10 Wānaka co-owner and Mitre 10 New Zealand Chairman Martin Dippie.

Dippie said he was pleased to be “back in the swing of things” with construction of the Mega store, which was more than five years in planning and will use new technology to ensure it is a green and resilient building.

Some of this new energy conserving technology - cross-laminated timber from Austria intended for the office area - was still making its way to New Zealand, after being put on hold in Belgium when the country went into lockdown.

“We can track it online, and it’s currently on a boat queueing up to enter the Suez Canal,” said Dippie.

Once it arrives in Wānaka and the interior walls are completed, they will be able to put the final piece of roofing on and see the store’s shell completed.

PHOTO: Jarrod Frazer

Workers are back in the swing of things after the coronavirus lockdown halted construction of the Mitre 10 Mega store.

“It’s going to be a great store,” said Dippie, “it’s going to be absolutely enormous.” Sitting on a 2.8ha site, the 9,000sqm store will be two and a half times bigger than the new New World across the road. Also onsite will be a 3,900sqm garden centre, 10,000sqm drive-through trade and timber yard, and a cafe and playground.

Dippie said he felt positive about the outlook for the business in the wake of coronavirus believing that Kiwis would be spending more time at home, shopping locally and renovating their houses. He predicted that the store would be open in November or December this year.

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Twelve-year-old summits Mt Iron 53 times during lockdown

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Volunteering Central steers the lockdown ship Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Supplied

Twelve-year-old Lucy Radford summited Mount Iron 53 times during lockdown, equivalent to climbing Mount Everest.

Ollie Blyth

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Twelve- year-old student Lucy Radford spent her lockdown summiting Mount Iron every day for 53 days to raise money for local charity Food for Love.

After all of her efforts she managed to fundraise $1,000.00 and hopes to inspire others wanting to make a difference in the Upper Clutha community.

“At the start of lockdown, I set myself a challenge to go up Mount Iron every day of lockdown and on Sunday it was my 53rd time in a row, which is the equivalent of climbing the height of Mt Everest,” said Radford, “I would like to donate that money to Food For Love, as I think lots of families will need its support after this pandemic.”

Radford lives within walking distance of the mountain, so was able to complete the goal during alert level four. She said that; “During

level 3 we also climbed Mt Roy. Of course I had to go up Mt Iron on the same day too and on that day I got my fastest time of 15 minutes and 58 seconds. Mum went up with me every day.”

Food for Love is a Wānaka based charity which supplies home cooked food to households in need of assistance. Recently they were supplied with a chest freezer which is aiding in the storage of food.

Claire Radford, Lucy’s mother, said that “[Lucy] has raced me up the mountain every time. Her effort during lockdown has been awesome and we’re very proud of her fundraising efforts too. Little legend.”

Lucy also hopes to show the local community how one person’s actions can make a difference, especially in trying times, “I’m sure there are lots of people in Wānaka who want to help but aren’t sure how so I hope this inspires other people to come up with other ideas to help the community.”

The Council Word Play it safe

Life at Level Two

Alert Level Two means we’ve got more freedom of movement, but it’s up to each one of us to keep the rest of New Zealand safe.

Keep your distance from others in public, and keep a track of where you go and who you see. And if you’re sick, please stay home. Don’t go to work or school if you feel unwell, and call your GP immediately. Keep washing those hands, and remember to sneeze and cough into your elbow. More on this at

We can resume many everyday activities now that we’re in Alert Level Two — but we have to do so safely. Most local businesses, cafes, restaurants and bars can open, and schools and early learning centres will be open too.

You can also travel between regions, and attend social gatherings as long as you keep it to a maximum of 10 people for now.

More on this at https://covid19.govt.nz/

Rubbish services in Level Two

We’re asking that you please think about others when parking in the Wānaka CBD. With shop owners, explorers and shoppers alike returning, it’s really important we all work to keep things moving, share spaces by getting in and out as quickly as possible, and by parking in the appropriate areas. We saw a few bad habits forming in Level Three. So, as a friendly reminder, it’s still not okay to park in a Loading Zone unless you’re loading or unloading goods, park in a mobility spot without the required permit, park in a Taxi Stand or Bus Stop, or on broken yellow lines.

https://covid19.govt.nz/

Alert Level Two is now in effect and brings with it a few updates to rubbish and recycling in the district. Our Transfer Stations are now fully reopened, but bookings are required and can be made for drop off between 8.00am and 4.20pm, Monday to Sunday. Diversion areas for green waste are accessible. Make a booking and get more information on services at

www.qldc.govt.nz/services/rubbishrecycling

Do you need help?

There are people and agencies able to support you. Whether it’s help paying for the essentials or just someone to talk things over with, a range of advice, help, or support is available. Visit www.otagocdem.govt.nz for information specific to Otago and to get the assistance you need.

www.qldc.govt.nz PAGE 6

Considerate parking

There are 80 volunteers in the Queenstown Lakes District who have spent a large part of lockdown on the telephone talking to migrants who have put their hands up for help during the pandemic.

One of these is QLDC’s arts and events manager Jan Maxwell who has been wearing a very different hat since New Zealand went into lockdown.

When there’s an emergency, Maxwell becomes a council welfare manager, one of three who manages a team of 130 people responding to welfare needs during crises. The last one she dealt with was the flooding in 2019. That experience stood the team in good stead for responding to the current pandemic.

“The welfare team is about immediate needs – we help people who suddenly can’t access things they normally can,” she said.

In the Queenstown Lakes District there are 4,500 registered migrants - many of whom have asked for help during the pandemic.

“This includes people who live here but don’t have residency, tourists on holiday visas, people with work visas and students,” Maxwell said.

“We also get New Zealand residents asking for help – people whose businesses or jobs no longer exist, people who just can’t pay their bills and have nothing left for food.”

Some of the migrants have lived here for years and have families here; others are seasonal workers or young travellers on working visas. They have applied for help through the Queenstown Lakes District Council Emergency Management Welfare Team.

Within 72 hours of them applying, a volunteer will ring them to assess their requests for support, which could be due to a range of problems - losing their job, having no money left, concerns around immigration, health issues, problems affording accommodation and more. Many don’t want to leave New Zealand; others have no choice as they can’t afford a flight home.

The welfare team has had more than 12,000 requests for help and has distributed thousands of food vouchers to people in Queenstown and Wanaka. The volunteers are also able to point them in the right direction for other support – to WINZ if they are Kiwis, otherwise to various charities including Salvation Army and Happiness House. They can help them with warm clothing and bedding and to other services which can help them apply for help with rent, other household expenses and more.

Maxwell said on the whole the Kiwi public is very supportive of the team’s assistance for migrants.

“There is some opposition - a few have asked

Penny Fisher RN MBA

027 343 4776

‘Lonely’ Level Two for pets As exciting as getting back to a little bit of normality for us humans may be, the coming weeks might cause a bit of stress for our pets.

Take time to think about your pets before you go back to work and let your neighbors know that your furry ones may be a little more agitated than usual.

why are we doing all this for these people. I explain it’s because there’s nothing else out there.

Migrants can’t access the funding support New Zealanders can. These people have been holding our tourism industry up for some time – doing the jobs New Zealanders don’t want to do. They can’t go home; they can’t leave.

“We can’t say to them ‘that’s tough’. That’s not who we are as New Zealanders. Some of them have lived there for five or six years and have kids who are Kiwis. It’s not a case of one size fits all.

“Once I explain it to them, people ‘get it’ and are happy we’re helping. We do our best to make sure everyone has a meal on the table.

“You can imagine yourself if you were in a foreign country. People can’t believe that New Zealanders are taking care of them. In their own countries, they wouldn’t get anything.”

Volunteering Central coordinates volunteers for the Central Otago District Councils’ welfare team and supporting local social service organisations including the Salvation Army, Age Concern, and Community Networks Wanaka.

Volunteering Central senior coordinator Gillian White said the organisation’s focus from the outset was to enable volunteers to operate safely and their processes and guidelines had been picked by other volunteer centres and organisations nationally.

“Due to Queenstown Lakes being one of the first areas to respond, we worked to create a safe and coordinated response, and our guidelines were the basis of the official coronavirus volunteer guidelines,” she said.

Volunteers have been helping in a range of ways, from delivering essentials to vulnerable people to offering a listening ear to those who might be lonely or confused, administering vouchers being given to those in financial difficulty and supporting Volunteering Central with the connections process.

“I enjoy chatting to people, and I love that for the most part, I can help them out in some way,” said former nurse Suzannah Gray.

“We can offer foreign migrants supermarket vouchers, clothes and blankets, food hampers, firewood and recently, as the lockdown period has played out, we have been given the go-ahead for other help with rent, bills etc. too.”

“I think New Zealand is doing an amazing job of looking after people in need. I am so impressed with the way different organisations are working together to do this - Civil Defence, QLDC and Volunteering Central, for example, have created a great team of people.”

Volunteering Central promotes, supports and strengthens volunteering, creating stronger, more connected communities.

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THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun News

thewanakasun.co.nz

Meeting our local achievers

Climber and writer adjusts to wheelchair life Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

On a wet, cold night in January 2015, Dave Vass's life changed forever.

The Albert Town local of 25 years and director of tourism enterprise Deep Canyon was walking out in the dark from a climbing trip in Fiordland with three friends. It only took an instant for him to slip from the track, fall three meters down a bank onto his head, and injure his spine sustaining a permanent injury. He talks to the Wanaka Sun about that night and the ensuing life in a wheelchair.

So what do you remember about that night?

"We had been in the Darrans for ten days climbing and were walking out. It was very steep and a long day, and we were walking in a storm in the dark. We couldn't cross the river, had to stay up in the bush - and I fell about three meters over a bank. I flipped upside down and landed on my head. I was lying face down in a puddle before the others came back and rescued me. It is was about ten o'clock at night.

"It was a significant effort to get me rescued.

There was a massive storm over us- thunder and lightning for six hours.

"One member of the party ran out to get help, and the others stayed with me. We had no shelter, so put all our gear on top of us and lay there in the rain.

"By the time the rescue team arrived at 5 am, we were on the verge of hypothermia. I was drifting in and out of consciousness.

And the rescue?

The helicopter flew around the storm in the dark to where I was and dropped a winch down through the trees. I got winched up and flown to Milford.

The rescue team was also winched out because the conditions were so adverse. The operation closed the road to Milford – it was a big sensation.

"By the time they got me to Milford, my core temperature had gone down to 32C, and I was on the verge of death. I was flown to Dunedin where they did all that life-saving stuff. It was touch and go. I had surgery on my neck to stabilise it, and a day and a half later was flown to ICU at Christchurch Hospital. I spent three weeks in intensive care and then eight months in the spinal unit at Burwood."

So life before the accident- tell us about Deep Canyon "I started the canyoning business in 1995 with some friends. We had got Emerald Creek [canyon] set up in 1994- then we got wiped out by a massive flood, and all the ropes got washed away. So by the time we got going again, it was 1995.

"At that stage, no one had been canyoning in New Zealand- let alone start up a business. It was pretty quiet for the first few years, and we didn't make a lot of money.

"In those days quite a few of the Wānaka mountain guides started at Deep Canyon, but these days it's just me and Roz [Goulding].

It's been our business alone since 2000 and we employ about six guides plus two in the office.

"Niger Stream is our bread and butter canyon [up the Matukituki road], and we have concessions for half a dozen more.

"We put about 2000 clients through a season.

Almost always small groups – never more than five."

What is the philosophy behind your business?

"Our focus is on the small and personal. This is for various reasons – it's how we like it and how customers like it. Also, the canyoning we do is pretty technical – it requires ropes- so the numbers have to be small.

"Our smaller personal trips take people into a deeper level with nature. We go to some fantastic

THE WĀNAKA SUN

places you couldn't get to any other way and have a lot of fun doing it. That's the way forward. So I'm naturally wary of getting bigger- it can be managed, but it's harder.

"I'm a fan of our trips because we have quite personal interactions with our clients – some come back year after year."

Do you see Deep Canyon growing?

"Growing the company? It has grown slowly but surely, but I'm not convinced getting bigger is a good thing. I think tourism works on different levels, and one is the experience the client has, and the other is the experience the operators have. Another is the experience the community has from tourism.

"I grew up in Rotorua around tourism, and along with my friends, we regarded tourists as absolute scum. All you ever saw was the mass tourism side of things- bus tours of people looking blank going from one attraction to another.

"It's easy to diss that kind of tourism- its high impact and I thought we have got to be better than that.

"Our way works for Roz and me and the guides, and Wanaka, whereas in Queenstown I see a lot of complaints about tourists."

Tell us about your climbing career.

"When I was in high school, I climbed Ruapehu by myself in winter. I climbed all summits and was the only one up there, above the cloud. I came down thinking, wow! This was 1978.

"I headed off to Canterbury [University] to study zoology and botany, but really, I went rock climbing and mountaineering instead.

"The climbing highlights I've nailed down to periods. I had a Mount Cook period. Then I went to Australia and went rock climbing. Then I settled in Wānaka in 1993 and discovered the Aspiring region. Then I focused on the Darran Mountains [Fiordland].

"If I were to nail down highlights, it would be both my new routes on the northeast face of Aspiring.

And just about everything I've done in the central Darran's – the South face of Milne stands out. And my many solo trans-alpine explorations.

"I've been climbing in Peru and India a couple of times. I did the south-east ridge of Shivling [India] -this was a bit under the radar.

"I also went to climb the Boardman Tasker route on Changabang [India] with three friends, but we got spanked by the weather. Then our cook died, and we got locked up in a village for a few days sorting that out.

"Pakistan- it was the same deal with the weather."

How has your recovery been?

"It's a random process recovering from a spinal injury because you just don't know. There are two

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In the Darran Mountains - Dave’s happy place.

types of spinal injury- one is complete, and one is incomplete. Incomplete can mean you can have some function below your injury and I'm incomplete. But you don't discover where you are for about two years, and all that time you are working as hard as you can.

Then you end up where you are.

So how is life now?

"Happy? I am happy at times. I've lost the vast bulk of my life. But that's not to say there isn't lots of other stuff but it's hard to find that stuff. Some people who have lesser injuries might pursue other adventure activities. But there is f… all I can do."

I've decided for me to reach any level of satisfaction; it has to be a mental thing, and writing is the thing I feel a connection to. That's what I'm pursuing. I'm writing a book, and I am enjoying the process.

"I'm doing some other things to keep my mind going. I'm on the Otago Conservation Board which is challenging. There are lots of different board members with diverse expertise. I have my views on what DOC should be doing and enjoy the research into these issues.

So what are your plans for 2020?

"Plans for 2020? I've never been a planner, I'm into ideas, And these are definitely around writing. Plans might revolve around moving somewhere else, although I'm not that fussed about moving permanently. I have a house here.

But maybe Wellington for a year to study, or Golden Bay to write as I did a couple of years ago.

"During the lockdown? It's been quite productive on the writing side. And it's going to be a writing winter- submissions to literary journals and writing competitions for instance.

"But I want some change this year; I'm just not quite sure what it is yet."

With son Monty on top of Mt Manganui. Dave says this is his only summit since the accident.

Looking into the sun.

Diving in Tonga - Mariners Cave.

We’re always here if you need us..

Any Health concerns?

Your GP is just a phone call away. 03 443 0710 www.WanakaMedical.co.nz 23 Cardrona Valley Road, Wanaka

THURSDAY 21.05.20 - WEDNESDAY 27.05.20

Wanaka Medical - Leading the Way

PAGE 7

Sun News

Red Bridge River Park Trust fundraising to settle 2015 land purchase

thewanakasun.co.nz

NATURE by Forest and Bird

Significant progress made on saving Otago’s river birds

PHOTO: Red Bridge Riverpark Trust

The Red Bridge Riverpark Trust is seeking immediate financial assistance to pay the outstanding balance of $151,000 to Contact Energy by June 2020.

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Red Bridge River Park Trust is fundraising to settle the purchase of land near the Luggate Red Bridge from Contact Energy, as the deadline for the balance approaches.

The Red Bridge River Park Trust was created in 2014 by Lewis Verudyn-Cassells (who passed away in August 2019) to protect and enhance the mauri of our waters, beginning with the Clutha/Mataau River. The purpose of the Trust was to create and manage a river park and native recovery centre on riverside land.

Lewis negotiated for the Trust to purchase a one-acre property with a “River Keeper’s” cottage, garden and nursery from Contact Energy in April 2015, with a donation of $149,000 from the Verudyn-Cassells family securing the deposit. The balance of $151,000 to finalise the sale was due for payment within five years - and

the deadline is June 2 2020.

According to the Trust’s fundraising page, following Lewis’ death last year, remaining Trustee Jeromy Van Riel is seeking to revive the Trust, “re-claiming it’s identity, transparency and opening it for new Trustees.”

“The Trust intends to uphold the vision Lewis created, to ensure future generations have pristine waterways and a place to enjoy being a part of their natural environment in perpetuity. The Trust is committed to serving our communities and the interests of all life that shares our waterways,” reads their Give a Little page. The fundraising amount on the page currently stands at $709, with less than two weeks until the deadline for payment.

The Red Bridge Riverpark Trust is seeking immediate financial assistance to pay the outstanding balance of $151,000 to Contact Energy by June 2020. If you can help in any way, please contact: redbridgeriverpark@gmail.com.

The local branch of Forest & Bird has embarked on an ambitious project to rid our riverbeds of introduced predators – hedgehogs, possums, ferrets and feral cats.

Most pest control in the past has focussed on forest habitats but the braided rivers of inland Otago also have many endangered birds – wrybill, black fronted tern and black billed gulls.

To help our unique river birds, a satellitemonitored live-capture trapping network was purchased by Forest & Bird, from funds provided

by Central Lakes Trust, and a trial was conducted on the Matukituki River from September to December 2019. The trial aimed to catch introduced pests but also to determine the best, most efficient strategy.

Big predators require big traps and live capture is essential in these mountain areas as any traps big enough to kill a cat could also kill a kea. Live capture cages are the only option. The traditional manner of operating live capture has been a timeconsuming daily walk-through of all traps, in our case covering 15 kilometres of the riverbank.

This new system uses cages equipped with nodes which when triggered, alert an aerial placed on an overlooking ridge, which sends a signal to an orbiting satellite, which in turn sends a notification to the home computers and phones of our volunteers. This means we only have to visit the traps that have triggered, saving enormous amounts of time and travel.

The Otago Regional Council and the Gillman family helped fund our initial trails which resulted in 33 feral cats, 37 hedgehogs and 54 possums removed from the Matukituki River and another 37 feral cats and 47 possums from our similar trial in the Rees River.

An analysis of time spent shows satellite monitoring is three to four times more efficient than the daily walk-through method, resulting in many more predators removed than would have been possible in the past.

Following the success of these trials, Forest & Bird now plans to expand trapping to cover Makarora and Dart riverbeds over the next year

PHOTO: Forest & Bird

Forest and Bird volunteers erecting a satellite communications hub for overlooking the Matukituki River

and to have a permanent network around each river eventually. The future is now looking a whole lot brighter for our unique endemic river birds.

You can help. Volunteer with Forest & Bird in our efforts to protect native birds and ‘give nature a voice’, or join one of the many other local groups doing the same.

Contact: Ben Goddard 027 9000 768; centralotagolakes.branch@forestandbird.org.nz Andrew Penniket and his family have been trapping predators in the Makarora for over 20 years. He is a committee member for the Forest and Birds Central Otago Lakes branch.

– By Andrew Penniket

KAHU YOUTH

Phone: 03 443 8000, Top of Helwick Street, Wānaka OPEN: MON-SAT 8AM TO 6PM  SUN 10AM TO 6PM PAGE 8

It is so nice to start reopening the youth service after seven long weeks but didn’t team New Zealand do well.

In these challenging and uncertain times we have all pulled together and achieved this against the odds; it’s something we should all be proud of. We sincerely hope you all made it this far unscathed.

We would also like to take this chance to congratulate the local schools on the great job they did with online classrooms – we heard great things from our local young people and they clearly benefited from the re-connections made.

As we work through Level 2, we will keep using the new online channels we created while slowly opening the door to physically allowing our young people back. Currently we have re-started all of our after school groups – our three adventure clubs this week and next week the Upper Clutha Youth Council will be resuming physical meetings, plus SAGA – our youth LGBTQI and allied support group will start up again.

THURSDAY 21.05.20 - WEDNESDAY 27.05.20

For now our weekend drop-in sessions won’t be back, but as the permitted group sizes grow and restrictions ease, we‘ll bring them back as soon as we can. Then there’s Takin’ Over Amigos, our annual event that sees our amazing youth take over the running of Amigos for four nights.

Amigos are keen, we’re keen and the youth are keen. It will happen as soon as it’s safe to do so.

Plus we’ve got two new part-time youth workers waiting in the wings and chomping at the bit with loads of new initiatives to be unleashed.

We’re also tentatively looking at Matariki; although we can’t assure the community that it will take place this year, we are doing everything we can to safely make it happen should the opportunity arise.

So there is plenty to look forward to in the Kahu Youth universe. We’re here for you, and if you want to know anymore about anything we do, to join in, or if we can help in any way, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Email team@ kahuyouthtrust.org or call Rich on 0275709268 or Sarah on 0226947334.

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun Views

thewanakasun.co.nz

EDITORIAL

Could sustainable, eco-friendly tourism be our saviour?

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

I have never taken much notice of the budget before. What a plebeian I am. But as this is the most significant budget any NZ government has delivered, I thought I should have a go at writing the editorial on such.

But to comment on a $50 billion government spend in 500 words is beyond me so that I will stick to the $400 million targeted Tourism Recovery Fund [TRF], the extension of the Wage Subsidy Scheme and a domestic tourism campaign. After all, that's what affects Wānaka.

For the year ending November 2019, there were 3.89 million international visitors to our shores; in that same period, there were 3.08 million trips abroad by New Zealanders.

Encouraging Kiwis to travel within New Zealand will offset the loss of international arrivals this year. It doesn't close the gap, but it is a good start. So, as I see it, investment into funding a domestic tourism campaign is a no-brainer.

Domestic tourism was already the mainstay of many Wānaka tourism businesses. I asked Dave Vass of Deep Canyon- he said as much.

For example, for the year ending December 2019, regional domestic tourism spend was $300 million more than international. Only in Queenstown and Auckland was international spending higher.

Unfortunately, our tourism and hospitality sector has always fluctuated, so the government wants to support those attractions and businesses that are core to the country's tourism as well as those in the best position to survive. [according to Professor Michael Hall, Department of Management, University of Canterbury.]

However, re-jigging New Zealand tourism is going to be a challenge. It needs to focus on

PHOTO: Lake Wānaka Tourism

The future of tourism lies in domestic visitors.

sustainability. This has always been an issue for international tourism for the country, the experts say. Now it's going to be the way of domestic.

For promoting New Zealand to the domestic market, it is about creating a sense of value both financial as well as in terms of appreciating the things we have. People come from all over the world to see our natural attractions. It is now time to encourage New Zealanders to visit and appreciate them. And pay for the privilege.

This will require new ways of thinking about tourism. And this will be one of the most significant challenges as it is not about being cheap but by focusing on value—fewer tourists, domestic, and spending more. In many ways, coronavirus provides a glimpse of what this low-carbon tourism shift for New Zealand might look like.

Extension of the wage subsidy scheme should help many tourism and hospitality businesses to keep going until the domestic tourism campaign begins to take effect.

And longer-term initiatives that will help New Zealand become a more sustainable tourism destination include the proposed environmental jobs and projects schemes. These will bolster New Zealand's positioning as a low-carbon, environmentally-savvy destination, especially in light of climate change.

Could this be our saviour?

Crimeline C Calvin Bopp

Constable, NZPD

Hi everyone, I hope you’ve all had some sense of a return to normality with Level 2. It is nice to be out and about again with a bit more freedom.

Still a busy-ish time for us. Here is a slice of the adrenaline-pumping action.

On Monday a disqualified driver was found to be driving. He also took the meaning of drinking and driving to its literal level when he consumed a vessel of alcohol as he was driving. I think that’s a hard one to explain to a judge. A family harm incident was also attended.

Tuesday was a quiet one for us. Good time to catch up on paperwork.

On Wednesday morning, another driver was taken off the streets while on his way to work.

This was because he decided to keep partying the night before and not sleep or stop drinking, like the majority of people would do. He’s now off to court to explain his dangerous driving and alcohol-fuelled escapades. He put a fair few people at risk, and it is a wonder nothing more serious occurred.

Thursday was also quiet. More paperwork.

Friday evening saw a bit of a return to the CBD’s nightlife. It was good to see people having an excellent time out. Remembering restaurants are only open for dining, observing the three “Ss” Separation, Seated, and Single table service,

THE WĀNAKA SUN

maximum ten people per table in your bubble, maximum time limit of two hours dining.

Wanaka bars will be operating to patrons this coming Thursday May 21, with some restrictions.

Saturday night was much the same. A male was dealt with for breaching his bail. Some youths were found out and about in the small hours and reminded curtly about the conditions of a restricted license.

On Sunday there was a minor motorcycle accident on the Crown Range. To those motorists who came through the scene, thank you for your patience. To those of you who didn’t slow down as they went through, please do so the next time you pass an accident scene.

To cap the week off there was a last-minute drink driver that earned our attention for the way he blew through a give way sign on his smoke run. Smoking is expensive for him that night.

There is a bit of a focus on speed at the moment, so don’t be surprised to see us parked up at hotspots where the lead foot sometimes takes over. I see a lot of speeds in the 50km/h zones that are north of 65km/h which is way too quick for such a built-up area. In the end, lower speeds mean less carnage when things go wrong.

You would have likely seen some of us out and about in town this week visiting retailers and various other restaurants and cafes. We want to make sure that everyone is set up safely while we are in.

Sponsored by

NEWS IN BRIEF Thanks to pet owners who submitted their locked-down pets Many thanks to all those who submitted photos of their locked-down pets.

Unfortunately the Sun doesn't have room for them this week, but they will feature next week. So keep an eye out!

Sport and recreation facilities reopening Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) reopened most of its remaining sport and recreation facilities last Saturday (16 May) including swimming pools, indoor courts, outdoor turf, gym and group fitness studios.

In addition, council-managed venues like Lake Wānaka Centre and Luggate Community Centre would be available to existing groups and new bookings.

QLDC general manager community services Thunes Cloete said there would be a staged reopening, focusing first on core services, in line with national guidelines following New Zealand’s move to Alert Level 2 last week.

Cloete confirmed some facilities and programmes would initially remain closed while staff implement new systems to ensure the ongoing safety of customers and staff.

Snow Sports NZ office and training facilities to open Some of Snow Sports NZ staff will be returning to work at the Wānaka office from Monday 18 while others continue to work remotely. Just like every other business, they will be following strict health and safety protocols in order to keep themselves, their athletes, and the wider community safe. Please phone or email the office rather than visit in person.The overriding message from Snow Sports NZ in terms of getting back to sport and training is to ‘play it safe.’

Extension to Otago welfare support The Otago COVID-19 Helpline has changed operation hours to 9 am to 5pm daily. Those who cannot access daily essentials such as food, pet food, or medicines should contact

THURSDAY 21.05.20 - WEDNESDAY 27.05.20

0800 322 4000 or help@otagocdem.govt.nz Foreign migrants who have lost their income and may not qualify for support from the New Zealand government, or have no other sources of support, can apply to Otago Civil Defence for support with their short-term living costs. www.otagocdem.govt.nz Support with rent and power/gas bills is available to New Zealand citizens and residents who need it. New Zealanders in this situation must first contact Work and Income New Zealand on 0800 559 009.

The support includes payments for accommodation (rent, boarding fees, hostel fees), electricity and gas.

Queenstown Lakes District Libraries opened on Monday Library buildings in Arrowtown, Frankton, Hāwea, Queenstown and Wānaka reopened their doors to the community on Monday morning (18 May) following a huge increase in the number of people accessing online eLibrary services during lockdown.

The shared Queenstown Lakes-Central Otago libraries website received more than 31,000 views in April compared to a previous average of around 11,000 per month. In addition, children’s story time readings took place via Facebook videos that collectively received more than 8,000 views. Local library members viewed more than 165,000 online articles and streamed 861 films last month (usually around 150) via apps available on the website.

QLDC general manager community services Thunes Cloete said while it had been great to see a significant increase in use of online resources, for many people there was nothing like browsing the shelves, enjoying a quiet reading or study space, and chatting to the librarians.

PAGE 9

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NOTICES

THANKS

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

Business Networking International.

The 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

Thanks to everyone who comes to Wastebusters to donate goods, shop and recycle.

Your support helps us work for zero waste and a resourceful community.

SERVICES Wanaka Pharmacy is your local pharmacy.

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

Ph 443 8000

STORAGE

Clean, dry, safe storage available now.

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

10/26/2017 11:38:28 AM

GIB STOPPING Aspiring Interiors Offers Leading Gib Stopping Services For Residential & Commercial in Wanaka. Level Four Finish.

Machine Tools. Reliable.

No Obligation Free Quotes.

Call Kahu 0210 2793 Email contact@aspiringinteriors.co.nz

SUN TEAM

Is your Wānaka Sun delivered every Thursday?

If not, email your address to admin@thewanakasun.co.nz or phone us on 03 443 5252 PAGE 10

THURSDAY 21.05.20 - WEDNESDAY 27.05.20

WĀNAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER ISSUE 975 Free delivery to Wānaka, Cromwell and surrounds, PO boxes in Makarora, Cromwell, Haast, Wānaka, Albert Town and Hāwea.

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

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

Joanna Perry • 021 736 740 newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz Advertising: 03 443 5252• marketing@thewanakasun.co.nz Admin: Benn Ashford • 021 956 740 admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Mail: PO Box 697, Wānaka Deadlines: Display Advertising 4pm Friday prior to publication. marketing@thewanakasun.co.nz

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

per year. Overseas rates on request.

Remittances to PO Box 697, Wānaka, NZ.

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun News / Classifieds

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IRONMAN postponements a disappointment for Braden Currie Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Wānaka endurance athlete Braden Currie has voiced his disappointment after it was announced last week that both the 2020 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in Taupō and the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona, Hawai`i will not take place this year due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

IRONMAN announced that the decision had been made “after careful consideration with local partners and based upon inability to host qualifying events as well as current international border and travel restrictions in Hawai`i and New Zealand.”

Currie said that, although “pretty disappointing”, he was not surprised by the postponements. “It was always going to be a hard sport to bring back to the arena, with multiple thousands of people at the events and participating in them,” he said.

“I had it in the forefront of my mind that the 70.3 worlds in Taupō might go on, but I guess with the rest of the world struggling to get to NZ that’s not going to happen,” he added.

After securing a spot in the Kona championships

at the Nutri-Grain IRONMAN New Zealand in March, Currie had a full calendar of events lined up before “three months of full focus heading towards Kona,” all of which was brought to a halt by the Covid-19 pandemic.

But despite the disappointment, Currie was eager to see the positive side: “Potentially bringing the 70.3 worlds into January or February is really good for us in the southern hemisphere. We’re quite used to racing at that time of year, and tend to be in really good fitness. Maybe that’s not too bad an option for us and will still give us something to work for, even though it’s a fair way away,” he said.

He also shared his excitement at IRONMAN’s announcement that there will be two Kona events next year - one in February and October, to accommodate athletes who qualify during the 2020 and 2021 seasons - for the first time since 1982. “In some ways, that’s an exciting opportunity,” he said.

In the meantime, Currie is focusing on exercising for wellbeing rather than competing.

“For me, training is definitely going to ease up a little bit. There’s not a whole lot on the calendar for at least six months, so I’ll just let the body recover,” he said.

PUBLIC NOTICE

N o t i c e b o a rd | P a p a P ā n u i Meeting Schedule for June 2020 Subject to change. Last amended: 14 May 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 June 2020.

In the interest of the health of the community and in line with the current COVID-19 Level 2 restrictions on public gatherings, the following meetings will continue to be live streamed via social media (unless public excluded). In the event that the live streaming fails, a video recording or written summary will be published as soon as practicable on the QLDC website (LGOIMA S47A).

Traffic & Parking Subcommittee – Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown. Tuesday 2 June 2020 at 9.00am.

Queenstown Lakes District Council – Venue to be confirmed. Thursday 4 June 2020 at 1.00pm.

Planning & Strategy Committee – To be held by video conference. Thursday 11 June 2020 at 10.00am Wānaka Community Board – Armstrong Room, Lake Wānaka Centre, Ardmore Street, Wānaka. Thursday 18 June 2020 at 10.00am.

Queenstown Lakes District Council – Queenstown Memorial Centre, 1 Memorial Street, Queenstown. Thursday 25 June 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 Private Bag 50072 | 47 Ardmore Street Wānaka Phone 03 443 0024 | www.qldc.govt.nz

SITUATION VACANT

Chairperson Role M!NT Charitable Trust M!NT Charitable Trust is seeking an energetic and experienced Chairperson to help the Trust achieve its goals.

About Us: M!NT Charitable Trust was formed in 2019 to enrich the lives of intellectually disabled people living in the Upper Clutha Region. Current projects include establishing a Supported Living Residence, vocational training, and opportunities and activities designed to increase interaction with, and involvement in, our local communities.

Our team is passionate, fun and hardworking and we come from many backgrounds and all walks of life. This is an exciting opportunity to lead one of Wanaka’s most innovative and ambitious charities, at a time when the world desperately needs to support communities to support each other.

What We Need: The Trust was set up by parents of intellectually disabled persons, who have a vested interest in this sector of our community. The Board recognizes it needs independent expert guidance and stewardship to help it reach its goals and is therefore looking for a dynamic and results-oriented Chairperson who shares our vision and social mission, to lead us through our next phase of development and take the Charity forward.

Skills and Qualifications Ideally you will have experience in: • Governance, policy and procedures; • Involvement in leading, or contributing to, Charitable Trusts; • Identification of and access to grants and funding.

You will have the ability to: • Lead and direct a team of individuals; • Dedicate time and effort to the Trust; • Remain impartial on charitable decisions and be able to demonstrate and justify your actions appropriately.

Whilst the above experience would be an advantage, it’s not essential for this role.

What is fundamentally important is that the Chairperson brings passion, empathy, drive and independence.

This is a non-remuneration position.

If you believe you can help make a positive difference to the lives of intellectually disabled people in the Upper Clutha, we would love to hear from you.

Contact: Marty Welch • 021 829 194 • minttrustgroup@gmail.com

MEDIA SALES CONSULTANT The Wānaka Sun is seeking an enthusiastic, driven and outgoing salesperson to join its media sales team, selling across print and digital news platforms.

Position responsibilities include but are not limited to: • Reach monthly revenue targets • New business acquisition • Develop key client and business relationships • Prepare advertising proposals • Maintenance of client and revenue records • Provide weekly sales reports to management We’re looking for someone who has: • A proven history of success in a sales or business development role; preferably from within the media industry

Mt Aspiring College 2020 SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES ELECTION Nominations are invited for the Election of two parent representatives to the Board of Trustees of Mt Aspiring College. These positions will be until the mid-term elections in December 2020.

A nomination form and information will be posted to all eligible voters. Nomination forms can be obtained from the school office. Nominations close at 12 noon 5th June 2020 and should be accompanied by a candidate statement. The voting roll is open for inspection at the school and can be viewed during normal school hours.

There will also be a list of candidates’ names for inspection at the school. The poll closes at 12 noon Friday 19th June 2020.

Wayne Jamieson, Returning Officer: CES, 89 Nazareth Ave, PO Box 414, CHRISTCHURCH Phone: (03) 338 4444 - Fax: (03) 338 4447AAI

THE WĀNAKA SUN

YOUR AD WILL REACH THE MOST LOCALS ONLINE IN www.thewanakasun.co.nz

• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to develop effective business relationships

• Excellent communication, presentation and negotiation skills • Self-motivation, resilience and the ability to achieve objectives and goals within company guidelines

• A strong sense of accountability and an attention to detail • Ideally a formal qualification in business or marketing This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate Sales Executive who enjoys a challenge! If this sounds like you, please forward your application, including covering letter, resume and two professional referees to:

Benn Ashford, The Wānaka Sun, PO Box 697, Wānaka, admin@thewanakasun.co.nz W W W. T H E WA N A K A S U N . CO. N Z

THURSDAY 21.05.20 - WEDNESDAY 27.05.20

PAGE 11

Sun Sport

thewanakasun.co.nz

Freeride skier Sam Lee’s final Snow Farm opening June 19 as step on road to recovery ski fields get go-ahead for 2020 Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

He completed his 2018 season ranked thirteenth in the world, but after breaking his leg in January 2019, Wānaka-based freeride skier Sam Lee was forced to pull out of Freeride World Tours (FWT) 2019 and 2020 and has been in “recovery mode” ever since.

After an operation last Friday to have screws removed from his knee and ankle, he is looking forward to “getting back into things.”

He still has four to six weeks of post-operative recovery ahead, but “by the time the season comes around, I’ll be ready to go,” he told the Wānaka Sun. Lee started skiing when he was just two years old and started competing at the age of eight at Mt Ruapehu. After growing up in Auckland, his family moved to Wānaka when Lee was thirteen - a move which he attributes to his love of mountains “and all things adventure and nature related.”

Lee said his leg was “thrashed” after he broke it at the start of the Northern Hemisphere’s ski season in 2019 and that, after a full year of rehab and recovery, he still found it hard building himself back up to skiing in Europe again this January.

“By the time I got to mid-March, I was feeling pretty damn good - like I would expect to feel at the start of any given season,” he said. “But then, unfortunately, I had to come back to New Zealand six weeks earlier than planned because of the coronavirus. That cut everything short, so I missed out on the opportunity to do any competitions while I was over there.”

Lee had planned to spend some time in Canada before returning to Switzerland, where he was based for the season, but when the coronavirus

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Ross Mackay

Sam Lee: “By the time the season comes around, I’ll be ready to go.”

outbreak began to take hold he came home to Wānaka just a week before travel restrictions came into place in New Zealand. Like many athletes, the outbreak halted his competing - and delayed his operation.

Now, with a few months of non-competitive skiing and this final stage of recovery under his belt, he’s looking forward to the winter season - in which he’ll be skiing and coaching.

Nodding to Cardrona Alpine Resorts recent confirmation that both Cardrona and Treble Cone will definitely be open in some capacity, Lee said that although there was “a lot of uncertainty around what things are going to look like” for competitions for the rest of the year, “at least we’ll be able to ski and train.”

“As long as we get everything open, I’m pretty confident that I’ll be able to be in pretty good condition to do what I need to do,” he added, setting his long-term focus on joining the WFT in January 2021.

For now, he’s happy to focus on his role as head coach for the Treble Cone freeride team for children over ten.

“I’m looking forward to coaching up there,” said Lee. “I’m pretty lucky to be doing that job, and the more people I can share that with, the better.”

Ski field operators and enthusiasts were thrilled with the news last week that there would be no limit to the number of skiers on the slopes under Alert Level 2 restrictions this winter, and the good news was followed by Snow Farm NZ’s announcement yesterday that it would open as planned on June 19.

In a joint press release last Friday, NZSki chief executive Paul Anderson, Cardrona Alpine Resorts general manager Bridget Legnavsky and Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Ltd chief executive Jono Dean said they had been working with the government on behalf of the industry to clarify how ski resorts could operate.

New guidelines will require resorts to manage physical distancing, ensure contract tracing is in place and increase cleaning and sanitation requirements, but the large areas over which ski areas operate mean that there is no cap on the total number of people allowed on the ski area provided physical distancing can be managed.

Snow Farm General Manager Sam Lee said that after so much uncertainty as to whether they would be allowed to operate, he was relieved and excited. Snow Farm NZ is New Zealand’s home of cross-country skiing, and celebrated its thirtieth year in operation last August.

In a statement yesterday, Lee expressed confidence that the resort could provide a safe and enjoyable experience for customers at Level 2. “After all, cross country skiing lends itself to creating space between people - despite it being very social, it naturally enables social distancing.”

PHOTO: Wānaka Sun archive

Sam Lee (Operations Manager) and Mary Lee (Cofounder and Snow Shepherd) preparing to toast to the newly-unveiled PistenBully 400 snow groomer and wonderful past 30 years at Snow Farm NZ

Lee said that they would have a number of new strategies in place to ensure customer safety, such as setting up scanners to let season pass holders access the trails without entering the building, and moving equipment booking online.

There would also be some changes to the lessons and programs on offer; with the vast majority of their instructors being international, Snow Farm will be operating with a smaller team this winter. According to Lee, though, they are still employing about the same amount of New Zealanders as they did last year, giving Snow Farm “a real kiwi flavour this year.”

Reflecting on the amount of local interest he had seen from skiers and family fans of the Snow Fun Zone alike, Lee told the Wanaka Sun that although they had lost many of their international customers, “we’re going to gain just as much from local support.”

“Stay strong New Zealand, and from all of us at Snow Farm, we can’t wait to see you all up at the Snow Farm this winter,” he said.

Snow Farm have extended their pre-season pass sale until June 18.

Villas and apartments available now

We are open for viewings by appointment Call Ursula on 443 6660 to arrange a time.

14 Golf Course Road 0800 277 474 info@aspiringvillage.co.nz

www.aspiringvillage.co.nz

Alert Level 2 precautions will be in place for all visits to protect our residents, staff and visitors.

PAGE 12

THURSDAY 21.05.20 - WEDNESDAY 27.05.20

THE WĀNAKA SUN