Wanaka Sun | 24 February - 03 March 2021 | Edition 1015 by Wanaka Sun

Challenge Wānaka

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Five young ballerinas from the local Pointe Central school of ballet are off to compete in the South Island Ballet Awards in Christchurch on March 7. From left: Isabel Martin (11), Mia Cohen (13), Lenni Miller (12), Zoe Frazer (15), and Mia Waite (12) have been training hard for the event which is the highlight of the South Island competition dance calendar and only held every two years. The event is aimed at aspiring young dancers from 11 to 19 years of age and provides a pathway for them to further their training towards a career as a professional dancer.

WSG letter calls on government to step in Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

ix community organisations have supported a letter written to the Prime Minister, Ministers and MPs calling on them to answer key questions about significant jet airports proposed at Wānaka and Tarras. The letter, sent by Wānaka Stakeholders Group Inc. (WSG) was also sent to all MPs and Councillors at both Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and Christchurch City Council. The letter outlined the community's concerns about climate change. It asked how central and local governments could declare climate emergencies on the one hand, and then make decisions to support, approve or enable the building of new jet-capable airports on the other.

WSG Chair Michael Ross said that people in the Upper Clutha as well as all around New Zealand were very concerned about climate change. "We completed a survey of over 1,200 local people last month, including hundreds of business people, and 87 per cent said that they were worried about environmental impacts, with over three quarters concerned about their quality of life. This lined up with research conducted by our local council and government." Ross said that the local council, which owned 75 per cent of the district's airport company Queenstown Airport Corporation, was not listening. "Despite two years of raising these issues and a challenge in the High Court, QLDC has continued to show no interest in genuine community consultation or open dialogue. Even the $205,000 report QLDC had commissioned about airports

had never been discussed by the full Council." He said he feared that the company behind the proposed jet airport at Tarras, Christchurch International Airport Limited (CIAL), would be the same. “Early indications would suggest that to be the case”. Ross said that it was time for the government to step in. "These are no longer purely local issues. Decisions to build carbon-intensive infrastructure, which in turn enables an increase in carbon intensive jet aviation, is nothing short of madness in the current environment. New Zealand, like other nations, needs to take immediate and urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Despite plenty of clever PR and greenwashing, airport companies are not in the business of

*Includes house and land. Some conditions may apply. Photo is a sample only.

reducing carbon emissions." Ross said the timing of Simon Upton's second report on the impact of tourism on the environment was perfect. "We've not examined the report fully or closely, but on first reading there were some excellent recommendations in there. "In the same way that leadership from the central government was required to successfully manage Covid, bold leadership will be required from the government to ensure that sound decisions are made around airport development, national infrastructure and controls on inbound tourism." WSG was awaiting the judge’s decisions from the judicial review about Wānaka Airport, which was heard over a week-long hearing in the High Court in Queenstown late last year.

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No ‘silver bullet’ for the tourism challenge QLDC Pat Deavoll accused of favouring male sports editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Doing up the former Mitre 10 building in Anderson Heights as a community youth and sports centre was a proposition put to the Wānaka Community Board at the Lake Wānaka Centre last week. Aspiring Gymsports Gymnastics Club has accused the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) of favouring outdoor male-dominated sports in a bid for the council to fund another indoor sports centre. Gymnastics Club spokesperson Colleen Nisbet told the board that the council had spent nearly half a million dollars on a new skateboard park in Central Wānaka. “Why can’t they support gym sports as well,” she said. "By funding these male-dominated outdoor activities as a priority over indoor sport options, the council is seen to be favouring men’s sports over women’s, and emphasising that men’s sports are more important than women’s sports," she said. Sport Otago community sports adviser Kelvin Carruthers said he had identified 39 groups, including Kahu Youth, that were operating in inadequate facilities and were facing increasing commercial rents. The Mitre 10 building "ticks every box" outlined in the proposed master plan for sports facilities, Carruthers said. Chairman of the Wānaka Watersports Facility Trust, Michael Sidey said: "The Mitre 10 building is perfect for the community.” Mayor Jim Boult, who was at the meeting, said he supported the idea of the council acquiring the Mitre 10 building from a council point of view.

Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Jim Boult is confident that Central Government acutely understands the unique needs of the district’s communities but said there is no “silver bullet” for the challenges for the tourism industry. In an online meeting on Tuesday with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Minister for Tourism Stuart Nash, Boult had the opportunity to outline many of the challenges faced by communities across the country who were heavily reliant on tourism, and the visitor and accommodation sectors. “While I am confident that both the Prime Minister and Minister Nash truly understood what we’re facing here, they have ruled out any re-instigation of the wage subsidy that we had during that first initial wave of the effects of COVID-19 outside of the Minister of Finance’s December announcement confirming it would be available where Alert Levels three or four are in place,” said Boult. They have however undertaken to

There is a possible consideration of a package to encourage Kiwis to travel domestically.

explore some possible assistance in other ways. “There is a possible consideration of a package to encourage Kiwis to travel domestically. “But it is disappointing news and I am sure it will be a bitter pill for those who may have been holding out for that as a lifeline. However, I appreciate the frank discussion with

the Prime Minister and the clarity she provided. I will continue to work for our community on this matter. “I recognise this is a unique situation for our district, for Aotearoa New Zealand, and at a global level. In that context, I appreciate there are hard decisions that Central Government has to make in the ongoing efforts to stamp out COVID-19 and keep our

PHOTO: LakeWanaka.co

communities safe. These are tough calls and it is times like these we need to pull together and support each other whenever we can,” Boult said. “Locally we are enormously thankful for the many Kiwis who have and are intending to visit us. Operators here are committed to adjusting the offerings to suit the domestic market and their budgets.”

PHOTO: WTD

Wheels to Dunstan Trust (WTD) has taken delivery of a new vehicle to allow them to continue to provide a necessary service to the residents of the Upper Clutha area. The vehicle was purchased, with grants from Central Lakes Trust, Otago Community Trust, and Wānaka Freemasons. WTD provides transport from Wānaka to Dunstan Hospital, linking up with a service which travels on to Dunedin Hospital. Upper Clutha Transport was a major sponsor of WTD, without which support, the organisation would be unable to provide the service it does. The new vehicle is pictured here with, from left: Graeme Marsh, Peter Harridge and Mike Elliot.

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Winter 2021 looks bigger and better

PHOTO: QLDC

Jim Boult: whilst generally practice was aligned with the current QLDC Procurement Policy, misunderstanding existed about the application of the guidelines.

PHOTO: James Niehues

The Willows trail map

Council procurement process not up to scratch

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Cardrona Alpine Resort’s lift capacity this winter will be 44 per cent greater than 2020 thanks to the reopening of Valley View and the opening of 65 ha of new terrain in the Soho Ski area. Cardrona announced the acquisition of the ski area rights for Soho, the terrain that sits on the reverse face of Mt Cardrona overlooking the Whakatipu Basin and the Southern Alps, in 2018. After consent for a new lift was secured last year, Willows Basin will be the first section of the area to be unlocked - and it will be ready to go when Cardrona opens on June 12. This will be the first new major liftaccessed terrain in the country since the opening of the Valley View Quad at Cardrona in 2012. Steeper than Captain’s (think Powder Keg), the primarily intermediate terrain with two groomed trails will cover two basins - Willows and Little Willows - accessed from the top of the McDougall’s Chondola.

It will also be possible to ski straight down from carpark B - all part of the resort’s attempt to spread capacity after the constraints of last winter by providing multiple points of access. “We knew we had to make some significant changes for this winter, and Willows is going to be a great asset for Cardrona in 2021,” said general manager Bridget Legnavsky, who was excited for skiers to experience the views of the Southern Alps from the basin, which falls below the existing Skyline track. “Our dream is to create a ski experience unlike anything else in New Zealand, where you go on an adventure through different valleys and basins while soaking in fantastic views – this move into Soho Ski Area is the first step in unlocking that vision,” she said. The lift is the former McDougall’s Quad, refurbished for the Pringles terrain but put into storage when rare lizards were discovered in the area in early 2020 and the project was abandoned. Legavsky said that, with a few small tweaks, the lift was a perfect fit for

Willows and in-keeping with their aim to minimise the impact of the project. She expected to have a food and beverage outlet - “something small and boutiquey” - established in the Willows Basin for winter 2022 and - depending on how this season went - to start work on the second lift in Soho - a six-seater express chairlift which would connect the larger Soho area to the top of Captain’s Basin and make it possible for guests to ski down from the summit. Further improvements to keep Kiwis coming back for what may well be a second domestic-only season included a free shuttle for both Cardrona and Treble Cone, as well as upgraded snow-makers at TC, a new generator and toilets at the Saddle Hut. Cardrona will open from June 12 to October 17, and TC from June 26 to September 26 - with Snowbox set to hit TC in September. “TC blew us away last year,” reflected Legnavsky. “We want to keep business going through September. If the snow’s good, the people will keep coming.”

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Bridget Legnavsky: “Our dream is to create a ski experience unlike anything else in New Zealand, where you go on an adventure through different valleys and basins while soaking in fantastic views.”

A report about Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) procurement practice and specifically bylaw review consultants ZQN.7, requested by Mayor Jim Boult, has reinforced the need to modernise guidelines and tighten training, as well as do a review of procurement policies established in July 2020. A Procurement Process is the processes that are required to get products or services from requisition to purchase order and invoice approval. The report said: “We did not find any misalignment between the way ZQN7 was engaged and the Procurement Policy. However, in several instances, the engagement of ZQN7 did not meet the requirements of the Procurement Guidelines. “From a delivery perspective, ZQN7’s work was successful. However, the cost of the work, and the way ZQN7 was engaged, has been questioned,” the report said. Boult confirmed that while practice was aligned with the current QLDC Procurement Policy, misunderstanding existed about the application of the guidelines. “The ZQN.7 situation was exacerbated by key staff leaving, the scope of work increasing and the extended process of working through the reviews with Councillors. Along with this several staff in the organisation unintentionally misunderstood the procurement process about a

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decision-making threshold of $50k. “The Council engages a significant number of suppliers. That is simply a necessity given the scale of the programme of work we’re dealing with. While procurement practice amongst staff is generally in keeping with the guidelines, especially with the larger multi-million dollar contracts, the report has shown that there is a common misconception regarding lower value contracts.” Many staff believed it was ok to directly appoint suppliers without a competitive process not appreciating the total value of the work to be completed,” said Boult. “Where the procurement process has deviated, the report is clear that there is no unlawful intent, or desire to furnish mates with work. “Furthermore, where the process has deviated in the under $50k procurement the right attributes have been considered when commissioning work (such as competency and price) and outcomes have still been delivered.” Councillors reviewed the report in a workshop on Monday February 15 and accepted the content, findings and recommendations. One recommendation was to expedite (make happen more quickly) the review of the guidelines and policy which was committed to at a meeting of the Audit, Finance & Risk Committee on July 2 2020. Boult added that one of the reasons for the review of the policy and guidelines was to make sure they were fit for purpose and reflected current best practice.

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Classic cars roll into town

With the amassed value of classic cars in excess of $3 million, the group made an impressive sight parked up in town.

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Cobra Club of New Zealand visited Wānaka last week as part of their inaugural southern run tour from Auckland to Invercargill. The club, founded in 2002, runs longdistance tours every two years. This year, the

group of over 40 travellers in 26 classic cars, including AC Cobras, Frasers and Mustangs, are spending two weeks visiting the southern parts of the South Island, covering around 4,500kms in total and gathering cars as they go. With the amassed value of classic cars in excess of $3 million, they made an impressive sight

PHOTOS: Supplied

Maier and Ussher linked arms to safely cross the Otira River at the start of the run.

parked up at their accommodation at the Bella Vista and The Moorings. The group spent two nights in Wānaka, arriving on Tuesday, February 16 from Tekapo and departing on Thursday, stopping at Cromwell’s Highlands Motorsport Park on the way to Te Anau via Queenstown.

Organiser Roni Nilsen said the group had an “epic journey.” Whilst here, they enjoyed a lunch cruise to Makarora, photo stops at Lake Hāwea, sightseeing at the Cardrona Distillery and a drink at the Cardrona Hotel. “The mid-range stop at Coronet Peak was spectacular,” she added. “We will be back.”

PHOTO: LINK Upper Clutha

The LINK Community Gardens at the Hub got a big clean-up at the weekend, with gardeners and volunteer helpers lending a hand. Grow Wānaka’s Chloe Rowe led a mini-workshop on weeding, harvesting, and nurturing the plentiful crops, then the group shared a potluck dinner furnished from the overflowing planter boxes. Vegetable soup, Turkish vegetable pockets, salad, and chocolate zucchini cake were all on the menu.

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Wānaka Preschool celebrates Enviroschools’ Green-Gold stage

PHOTO: Wānaka Sun

Wastebusters Enviroschools facilitators have been working with Wānaka Preschool for more than a decade and are delighted the dedicated early learning centre has achieved this significant stage.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Wānaka Preschool has reached an incredible milestone on their sustainability journey as they celebrate “reflecting” at the Enviroschools’ Green-Gold stage this week. “Rather than an ‘award’ the school or early childhood centre “reflect” on all the work they are doing. The idea being that they are on a continuous journey and all the work they are doing will not now stop but continue. The reflection is whole-school and includes everyone involved in the school or early childhood centre,” said Wastebusters spokesperson Ruth Blunt. Wastebusters Enviroschools facilitators have been working with Wānaka Preschool for more than a decade and are delighted the dedicated early learning centre has achieved this significant stage. “What a fantastic achievement and something the entire preschool community should be proud of and certainly something we, here at Wastebusters are exceptionally proud of,” said Blunt. To achieve the Green Gold stage schools “reflect” on the depth of their sustainability practices over the years. They also come up with the next steps in their sustainability journey. Green gold Enviroschools apply a sustainability lens to everything they do. The children are empowered and actively involved in education for sustainability and sustainable communities, Maori perspectives and respect for the diversity of people and cultures. The actions the children undertake include work on living landscapes, water, waste, energy, eco-building and much,

much more. Wastebusters General Manager Tony Pfeiffer said. “We are so pleased that Wastebusters funding of the Enviroschools Programme in early learning centres is helping to achieve these outstanding results.” Wānaka Preschool lead teacher Katrina Brewer said the Enviroschools model supported their vision of creating a healthy, peaceful and sustainable community. “Connection with sustainable values at the early childhood age creates a strong foundation for a lifelong of learning and modelling respect for themselves, others and the environment,” she said. Pfeiffer said that Wastebusters support of the Enviroschools Programme in early learning centres amplified the impact of Enviroschools in primary schools. “By the time students reach primary school, Enviroschools is already part of their daily life, which means they are well-prepared to continue the role of guardians of their environment. Families and the wider community who connect with the Enviroschools kaupapa through early learning centres also bring waste reduction and environmental stewardship into the way they live,” he said. Wastebusters Enviroschools facilitator Damian Foster said very few Enviroschools “reflect” at this stage. “Wānaka Preschool shows great leadership in our district in their sustainability practice. Being a Green-Gold Enviroschool represents an enormous achievement and is recognition of the awesome mahi, the tamariki, kaiako and whānau are undertaking in the field of sustainability.”

Tiny notes turn heads Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

“You never know who needs the kindness you have to offer.” One of many inspirational messages that have mysteriously appeared around town taped to the petrol pump, on the back of road signs, outside stores and bars. The notes made national news last week, but who are the people posting the messages, and why - and how - are they doing it? ‘Wānaka pay it forward’ is the Instagram account of the two individuals spreading aroha to the Wānaka hapori. They have chosen to remain anonymous. “We want the messages to be the front of all this, not our names, not our faces,” they said. “Remaining anonymous allows for the messages to have the biggest impact.” “We also don’t wish to gain anything from it. We are just two individuals set out to inspire change in the ways we see ourselves, our relationships and our wider perspectives.” They were inspired to start dropping messages, sourced from other online activists, books, and - in future - their own creativity, when they saw similar actions overseas, as well as Christchurch’s ‘All Right?’ mental health campaign. But what was mostly a spontaneous act is not an easy or quick one for them to carry out. “We heavily plan out each drop to prevent getting caught. Cover of darkness is what we have been using, although one of us has started testing the waters with evening poster drops while it is still light out… as more and

more people begin talking about our messages and looking out for them, it may become increasingly difficult to remain anonymous.” They said that the messages’ increasing notoriety had been “great to see.” “Seeing people take something away from our messages means a lot. All we aimed to do was start a conversation and we can see that happening within our hapori now.” Looking forward, they weren’t sure how long the messages would keep going for - but hoped they would spark a pay it forward system that could become intrinsic in Wānaka culture. “There’s a fair bit of logistics that goes on behind the scenes - to remain anonymous, to find the next best message, to ensure the message stays up for as long as possible. “In doing this, we hope to open up the conversation for discussing the things we carry internally. Often the topics we are most afraid of are the ones most worth talking about. Once this all starts to happen, we hope it will create a roll-on effect of change.” That said - they weren’t hanging up their duct tape yet. “What’s next is something we’ve had in the works since being noticed. We’ve created a bit of a ‘buzz’ within the hapori - something minor, a bit of paper and duct tape, that hit just right. Our next plan is to take this further, bigger and possibly bolder, the logistics of which still need to be ironed out. “There is something else that we have trialled around town, and to our knowledge it has yet to be picked up on, although we are positive people would have sighted it by now.” Keep your eyes peeled!

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Challenge Wānaka- never fails to impress Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Integrity Homes Challenge Wānaka Festival Challenge Half saw 800 competitors enjoy the new course out in Glendhu Bay on a spectacular Wānaka day. 2019 winner Hannah Wells repeated her success with a win on the tough new 2021 course. “I was really happy with my swim and to stick with Becs [Rebecca Clarke] was great as she is a great swimmer. I wanted to bike the bike pretty hard and try and remain conservative on the run. That was my plan and it seemed to work,” said Wells. Wells came out of the swim with Rebecca Clarke but on the first lap of the 5-lap bike course took the lead and consolidated that into over 4 minutes at T2. The run course led up into Bike Glendhu mountain bike park and featured an uphill section, which tested all the athletes. “I don’t think anyone would have liked the first 25 minutes of the run, it’s pretty gnarly but the down afterwards was flowy and fun,” said Wells. The 21km run course finished with a section along the Motatapu road where the women had to pace themselves in the heat and grind out the kilometres. In third place was Maeve Kennedy, an Australian who has recently moved to Wānaka and gained professional status. Kennedy was new to on-road triathlon, having raced and won Xterra triathlons previously and showed her calibre as she gained on the lead two on the run. But the experience and grit of Wells and Clarke shone through and they came into the finish corral to a cheering crowd in first and second 10 minutes behind. “My initial plan was to solo the swim but

Kyle Smith on the podium, pretty pleased with himself. And rightly so.

Hannah has no weakness now and is swimming with me, so I decided to ride my ride and try and keep a time gap to her and put time into third and fourth place,” commented Clarke. It was the third time this summer “new kid on the block” Kyle Smith, as his nemesis, Braden Currie affectionately calls him, and the Multisport Wānaka local Currie had gone head to head. The first time Smith beat Currie by 3mins 40 minutes at the Rotorua Suffer and then at Mount Maunganui by 10 seconds and at Challenge by another 13 seconds. Smith came out of the water first and was fast off on the bike, where he lengthened his lead to just over 4 minutes over the 90km course. You could see the passion in Currie’s eyes as he went through transition ready to chase Smith down on the run. With Jack Moody in third also looking fresh off the bike and well known for being incredibly strong in the run, both Currie and Smith were looking over their shoulders.

PHOTOS: Wānaka Sun

Triumphant Hannah Wells, first woman home.

Over the 21km course, Currie took 4 minutes out of Smith and left all the spectators on the edge of their seats as the news keep coming in of him gaining fast. The feeling was electric when the two came down the finish shoot together with Smith jubilant he pipped Currie for the third time by a mere 13 seconds. “Yeah I rode too hard,” said Smith. “I jumped on the bike and my power metre wasn’t paired. So, I thought oh well, that is a doctor’s prescription for a two-hour life expectancy. I just rode to feel and it was super hard but I felt good, so when you get out there you push way too hard and I thought I had to simmer down and wait for the run. Knowing how hard it was going to be and it was brutal. “I knew Braden would be coming home strong so I knew I had run as hard as I could down the hill and ignored the pain from my feet and stomped it. I only just held on really; look at the class of the man [pointing at Braden]. He’s just

an animal.” Braden commented, “My legs were pretty slammed the first 40 -50 km of the ride and then I started finding some rhythm and I guess undulating runs like that I feel good on. I have been doing a lot of running lately and felt in good run form. I didn’t fade, just felt better and better through the run. I guess it was just a touch too much lead.” The professional athletes showcased their amazing talents, but it was some outstanding performances by the age groupers which also had the crowds cheering. The first men’s age group finisher Matt Kerr had an epic race being chased by a talented field of triathletes, with Jared Millar coming in second over the line and George Millar in third. In the women’s age group field, Annabelle Bramwell came in with line honours with Olivia Ritchie and Katherine Reardon following on in with the passionate crowd cheering.

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Challenge Wānaka- never fails to impress

PHOTOS: Wānaka Sun

Competitors race for the start of the swim leg.

Littlies line up at the start of the run leg.

Three eleven year old lads from MAC feeling very pleased with themselves. From left, Edward Ives (swim), Aiden Good (bike), and Carter Williams (run),

Year 7 intermediate boys: First place - Jarred Ferguson (centre). Second place - Benson Boyd (left). Third place - Marshall Watson (right).

A young runner scoots around the corner in the Intermediate division.

A competitor leaves the bike transition in third place.

Izzie Martin looking fresh as a daisy minutes after completing the run. She said she did lots of training... sort of.

Runners and cyclists cross by each other aided by a marshall.

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GREBE DIARY 11 Fedruary 21, 2021

#thatwanakatour

PHOTO: Supplied

The play is based on the poem ‘Ithaka’ by Greek poet Constantine P. Cavafy, from whom tour guide Peter and driver Constantine take their name.

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Departing at 4:30pm from the dinosaur park at this year’s Festival of Colour is a special Wānaka coach tour - a play by the community, for the community, about the community written by Liz Breslin and directed by Emily McRae, with Becky Plunkett as dramaturg. Breslin, who wrote the play specifically for the Festival of Colour, said it had undergone some rewriting since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. “It was initially set to be a comedy on a bus tour around Wānaka, but a lot of tours and tourism aren’t funny anymore,” she said. The play is based on the poem ‘Ithaka’ by Greek poet Constantine P. Cavafy, from whom tour guide Peter and driver Constantine take their name, and focuses on the journey - and what a journey play can be when we can’t go anywhere.

“This is not a Covid play, this is a Wānaka play,” said Breslin, who has used over a decade of experience as a tour guide to inform the piece - adding that the only reference to the pandemic was a “higher than usual amount of hand sanitizing routine.” An open audition for players from the local community was held last year, but the role they will be performing remains part of the mystery. “Any coach tour is going to be interactive,” said Breslin. “You’re getting into these vehicles with a lot of people, many of whom you don’t know. No one’s going to be forced to speak or sing along it’s not that kind of vibe - but by accepting the terms and conditions and getting on the coach you’re always part of something.” “It’s going to be fun.” You can hop on the coach from the dinosaur park at 4:30pm, April 13 - 18 2021. As you set out for Wānaka, hope that the journey’s a good one.

Only after I sent Diary 11 off to the ever-patient editor of the “Sun” did I realize that I had made a blooper. I was also quickly reminded of that by a colleague in Hāwea that I had indeed blooped. I had stated that the chicks at the Hāwea nest were one week old on January 27. If you travel back to earlier Diary’s you may recall that the eggs at Hāwea hatched on December 14 which made them about six and a half weeks old. Thus from December 14 to January 15, both adults were with the chicks in different parts of the lake. From January 18 to 29 the number of chicks and adults around the original nest site varied until January 29 when it was recorded that there were two adults at the nest site and no chicks and a possible egg. From January 30 to at least February 14, there was a single bird on the nest until February 5 when its partner arrived with the three chicks. From February 6 - 13, a single bird occupied the nest, but on February 14 two adults were present with three chicks. The adults switched places on the nest, and that was an important observation because it proved beyond doubt that these two birds were the parents of the chicks and that at least one of them had laid the two eggs to be seen on the nest. So going back to when the chicks

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were hatched, we can note that through to February 14 that a lone bird was at the nest most of the time, though noting that it was thought there was at least one egg on the nest. All of this suggests that the birds essentially took over separate duties when the chicks were just over six weeks old and that possibly the female laid the first of its two eggs close to January 29, but it was not until February 15 that a second egg was confirmed. This sort of behaviour raises interesting questions such as would it be better for both adults to invest in the first hatched chicks or risk them by investing in a second but smaller clutch? If the eggs hatch (and I have only one dollar on it), we should be able to calculate when the birds mated, and thus so to speak, fill in the gaps. Briefly back to the marina in Wānaka: it looks an utter shamble down there right now. One of the many things we will be doing is reviewing the state of all the platforms over the next few months. We intend to change the buoyancy in all of them and carry out repairs and other modifications. We have hauled out nine of them. They are so saturated with water that the weight of them is more than three times that when we first put them in. I am hoping that they will dry out over the next week

PHOTO: Supplied

It would be wonderful to think that in the not too distant future that every child living and born in Wānaka will be taken for a walk over that boardwalk with a parent or teacher or both.

and lose a bit of weight so that we can heave them up the bank onto a trailer. We will be doing that on Thursday sometime after school. I duly delivered my talk on Monday, and Tuesday I met QLDC and the contract supervisor for the boardwalk. It was a very good session and I will be in touch with him throughout the build. I hope that the boardwalk will eventually become a billboard for Wānaka. where adults and children alike can travel it and begin to discover the natural history of this place and the lake in particular. It would be wonderful to think that in the not too distant future that every child living and born in Wānaka will be taken for a walk over that boardwalk with a parent or teacher or both. It is their lake, our lake, your lake, my lake and Wānaka’s lake and we are all charged to care for it. If we don’t or can’t, then who will? – By John Darby

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UNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION

THURSDAY 25.02.21 - WEDNESDAY 03.03.21

www.communitynetworks.co.nz

Kia kaha

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun Sport

thewanakasun.co.nz

A feast of bowls at Wānaka And Hāwea Six podium finishes at

Some 800 bowlers from all over New Zealand are scheduled to play in the Summerset National Men’s and Women’s Fours and Mixed Pairs which are being held in Central Otago this year, using 11 clubs for the two events with Alexandra as the main base. The National 4s will be played over four days - February 25-28 - with 60 women’s and 104 men’s teams playing. This will be followed by the National Mixed Pairs which will be played March 1-3 with 204 teams participating. Wānaka will host one day of the Mixed Pairs on Monday March 1 and this will provide a great opportunity for locals to watch some excellent bowls. The sixteen teams in this section will play three games during the day at so if members of the community would like to see some of the bowls action, they are very welcome to come to the Wānaka Bowling Club in Tenby Street. One of NZ’s finest women bowlers Mandy Boyd (Christchurch) partnered by husband Lance Pascoe (who has just won the Men’s Pairs National title), will be worth watching. The Hāwea Bowling Club is also hosting a day of the Mixed Pairs on Monday March 1, with games at the same times as Wānaka. With their excellent grass green, Hāwea has also been allocated one day of the Men’s Fours on Thursday February 25 and Women’s Fours on Friday February 26. There are 14 Wānaka Bowling Club members taking part, with club singles and pairs champion Marilyn Steel skipping a fours team with experienced campaigners

junior championships

PHOTO: Bowls NZ

World Champions Jo Edwards and Shannon McIlroy.

Marg Young, Rhonda Hurley and Alice Turnbull. Some others like Val Ransom, Tom Malcolm, Brett Simpson and Richie Muir are playing in composite teams. In the mixed pairs two all Wānaka teams are Tom Malcolm and Marilyn Steel and Stu and Rhonda Hurley. Top performer Richie Muir has teamed up with Queenstown’s top woman bowler Christine Buchanan and Wānaka’s Jo Stock is playing with Neil Buchanan of Queenstown. There is also a significant number entered from the Hāwea Bowling Club in both championships including Donald Urquhart, Dion and Pip Kiddey, Alison Brown, Barbara McKenzie, Alyson Roxby, Colleen Carr, Jen and Kyle McGowan, Lulu and Neville Roberts, Jackie Brook, Karen Woolley and Glennis McMillan. New Zealand’s top bowlers are well represented, including Jo Edwards who recently retired from international bowls. Edwards is considered the best women bowler New Zealand has ever

had, with World Championship medals, Commonwealth Games medals and many National titles. She is playing at Hāwea on Friday February 26 in a team with internationals Val Smith, Deb White plus Rachel Davies. National Head Coach and former world champion Peter Bellis has also entered, as has recently retired High Performance Coach Sharon Sims who won three world titles in her time. Then there are the younger bowling stars who are more than making their mark in bowls, both here and internationally such as Seamus Curtin, Caleb Hope, Sheldon Bagrie-Howley, Aiden Takarua and Finbar McGuigan It will be a feast of bowls, so take the opportunity of watching some games. It will be a long time before the same opportunity is available. For the teams and draws go to the Bowls NZ website. – By Peter Wilson

PHOTO: Supplied

Coach Belinda Donaldson said she was “extremely proud of the swimmer’s preparation and results gained.”

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Last weekend, the Wānaka Swim Club attended the 2021 NZ Junior Festival in Dunedin. Wānaka had ten athletes qualify for this event, and nine swam on the weekend with some outstanding results including many personal bests, top ten rankings and six podium finishes. Coast Morland had an incredible championship meet in the 12-yearold age group, notably winning the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke event and taking second in the

200m individual medley. Hana Carnie (9) also had an incredible meet, placing third in both the 50m and 100m backstroke 10 and under category while breaking both Otago 9-years short course records. Coach Belinda Donaldson said she was “extremely proud of the swimmer’s preparation and results gained.” She also extended her thanks to CDL Building who sponsored the team’s national swim caps.

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WAN6472 - 02 - February 2021

+64 3 443 2980 | forsythbarr.co.nz | Suite E, 93 Ardmore St, Wanaka

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PAGE 9

Sun Farming

Rebuild the RMA but give community time to contribute

thewanakasun.co.nz

A monthly column by Kim Reilly, Regional Policy Manager, Federated Farmers South Island.

Wellbeing – when all is not well PHOTO: Supplied

The opportunity to make such significant stepchanges comes once in a generation, and reform should be done in a way that is thorough, open and considered.

Federated Farmers has long believed Resource Management Act reform is overdue but is concerned by the speed and scale of the rebuilding proposed today. "We should be able to get to the end of this process and feel the work has been completed over timeframes that will ensure we deliver the outcomes we want to achieve as a country," Federated Farmers resource management act spokesperson Karen Williams said. Environment Minister David Parker had announced his intention to replace the RMA with three new pieces of legislation before the end of this Parliamentary term, with a special select committee looking at a draft of the main Bill by the middle of this year. "This gives very little time for the community to absorb, consider and submit on the contents of the Bill," Williams said. The opportunity to make such significant stepchanges comes once in a generation, and reform should be done in a way that is thorough, open and considered. "It is too important an issue to rush. "We all want planning processes simplified and costs and times reduced but we also want good quality legislation. Faster planning doesn’t necessarily equate to better planning." Federated Farmers believes there is a danger that if the legislation is formed too quickly it will exclude community input and could lean towards predetermined outcomes. "We are keen to ensure this process includes adequate consideration of sustainable food production planning. Feds would welcome wider community comment on this. "We also don’t want to see quick fixes to address today’s urban ‘crisis’ around housing, resulting in long-term changes to New Zealand’s environmental management that has other resource users picking up that environmental tab." – By Federated Farmers

PHOTO: Supplied

Farmers are tired of having to hear, week in and week out, of yet another farming activity that Big Brother is going to regulate from Wellington, whether that time and money will actually end in better environmental outcomes or not.

Across the country, there is a genuine need for concern about people’s wellbeing. Covid-19 has placed us all in uncertain times. Times are tough for many businesses, and regions reliant on tourism are feeling that pain more than ever. There are rightful concerns about how our children’s generation is going to afford houses into the future, and how we are going to juggle responsibilities if another Covid-19 lockdown requires more home-schooling and working from home. In rural communities, wellbeing is taking additional hits. Beyond worker shortages, and changing weather and markets, we’re also seeing the pressure of endless central and local government regulations and proposals, and the uncertainty, costs, and angst these bring. We’re seeing relentless media (and social media) beat-ups of “farmers”, no matter what an individual farmer’s practices or environmental footprint actually is. We seldom see other occupations or industries tainted with that same level of generalisation or bias. Farmers are tired of having to hear, week in and week out, of yet another farming activity that Big Brother is going to regulate from Wellington, whether that time and money will actually end in better environmental outcomes or not. Farmers just want to get on with the business

of farming, of being good stewards to the land, and putting food on tables. No farmer wants to leave their property or the environment in a worse state than when they took it over. But there’s little media appetite to hear of the massive investment in time and resources going into improving farm practices or farm systems, or the rapidly growing uptake and impact of catchment or community groups (like Wai Wānaka) where people come together to work on solutions. Concerns around farmer wellbeing are real. You can hear it in the voices and see it in the body language. Worryingly, that stress often extends well beyond the individual, impacting the entire family unit. We’re seeing farmers with genuine ‘consultation-fatigue’. It’s coming from the exhaustion of having to respond to neverending submission, hearing and consultation processes, all while having to defend the good work being done on farm. When the Resource Management Act was first introduced, its purpose was to ensure those who were likely to be affected by a rule or regulation had the opportunity to have their say and provide input. Currently, many farmers are burning out. There’s no gas left in their tanks, and as a result many individual stories and voices

won’t be heard. That means decision-makers won’t get to hear from farmers that could have otherwise provided critical and constructive feedback into processes. In 2021, we have an onslaught of additional regulations coming at farmers across the country. In Otago, many processes will be pushed straight to the Environment Court, adding additional stress and costs. In reality, farmers will effectively be paying three times over for these Otago processes. They’re paying the costs of having their side of the story told, they’re paying through rates, for Otago Regional Council to resource intensive months of evidence preparation and hearings, and they’re also paying, through rates and taxes, for the court to make decisions. We aren’t asking for accountability to be taken off farmers. We aren’t suggesting greater environmental improvements aren’t needed. What we do want is reasonableness and common-sense, and that rather than just paying lip-service, that the Government actually be concerned about all New Zealanders. In reality, a disproportionate amount of the current stress, anxiety and uncertainty impacting rural wellbeing is coming from the very Government who supposedly places ‘wellbeing’ at the core of its concerns.

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THURSDAY 25.02.21 - WEDNESDAY 03.03.21

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Sun News

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Obituary

Farewell John Alldred John Alldred (17 January 1951 – 7 December 2020) It was with great sadness that we learnt John Alldred had passed away in December. Alldred headed up a small, tight-knit team at Lake Wānaka Tourism (LWT) from 2000 to 2008 and was an ideas man. He was quite visionary and saw opportunities well before anyone else. Two of Wānaka’s iconic events owe their existence to Alldred, and he was also responsible for securing key funding that saw the implementation of the Sustainable Wānaka initiative. Challenge Wānaka was originally to be held in Queenstown. When Alldred heard they were having problems with road closures and consenting issues, he contacted the organisers and steered them over the hill to Wānaka, where he made sure to smooth the path with local officials. After a few teething issues in the first year, he put Victoria Murray-Orr in touch with the license holders in Germany. Together they grew the event into one of the world’s most iconic long-distance triathlons. Challenge Wānaka has been held every year since 2007 bringing in hundreds of thousands of dollars and thousands of visitors to Wānaka, all of whom are ambassadors for the town. “John changed the event landscape for Wānaka, as he was instrumental in two of the town’s iconic events”, said Murray-Orr. That event is his legacy, as is the Festival of Colour. He was responsible for the name, the concept and then getting together a team; John Beattie, Philip Tremewan and Lady Prue Wallis, who took the idea and developed a programme. The result - a world-class event of performing arts held every second autumn that is a credit to Wānaka. During his time with LWT Alldred was also responsible for pitching to Government for funding for the Sustainable Tourism Project. This resulted in the setup of Sustainable Wānaka and its various programmes which were delivered by Megan Williams out of the LWT office. This was many years before “sustainable” became the buzz word it is today, and 57 local businesses went through

HIKING COLUMN

New Zealand in a nutshell

PHOTO: Supplied

Alldred was quite visionary and saw opportunities well before anyone else.

that programme and instigated some fantastic initiatives that still run today. Alldred also moved the Visitor Centre out of the Department of Conservation building where it was run by a small group of volunteers down to the lakefront. It was set up as a standalone company, with paid staff and volunteers. The Wānaka iSITE Visitor Centre has gone from strength to strength and is the first port of call for visitors to the region and the shop front for many of our small businesses. On a personal level, Alldred was kind, loyal and supportive, with a great sense of humour, that saw all those who worked for him thoroughly enjoying his leadership style and innovative thinking. General Manager of Lake Wānaka Tourism, Tim Barke said “With the extensive work and number of initiatives John was instrumental in, he will be a great loss to the Wānaka community. His legacies remain as testament to his vision for the area and the people who live here.” Wānaka owes much to Alldred vision and energy and he will be remembered with a smile every time Challenge Wānaka and the Festival of Colour roll around.

BOARDING ROAD SHOW

11 March

PHOTO: Joanna Perry

Significant work has since been carried out by DOC to reroute 450 metres of damaged track, which finally reopened to the public last week.

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

If I had to choose one hike to showcase the very best that New Zealand has to offer, one opportunity to justify to family and friends why I chose to move halfway across the world, it would be the Rob Roy Glacier Track. From the 30km of unsealed track into the valley, to the countless waterfalls, mountains, clear blue water, snow and ice, it’s no exaggeration to say it’s got it all in one easy-toaccess parcel. And - joy of joys - it reopened last week after eighteen months. A slip in July 2019 followed by heavy rainfall, forced the closure of the track for safety reasons - and significant work has since been carried out by DOC to reroute 450 metres of damaged track, which finally reopened to the

public last week. So, it was no surprise to see a car park full of happy hikers in the West Matukituki Valley on Sunday morning, and - for once - I didn’t mind forming a line to cross the swing bridge into the beech forest on the other side of the valley. It’s a fairly accessible 10km hike through the forest to the glacier and back, with a gradual, varied incline and plenty of shade, and there’s always the option of turning around at the lower lookout rather than push on for half an hour to get closer to the glacier - although I’d always recommend doing the latter. I was glad to see that the repairs to the track hadn’t completely smoothed out its wildside the thrill of clambering over rocks from an old landslide, watching avalanches fall on the other side of the valley, and filing your bottle up from the river. It is, after all, the epitome of this area - sandfly bites and all.

WANAKA

Visit stac.school.nz for further information and to register online THE WĀNAKA SUN

THURSDAY 25.02.21 - WEDNESDAY 03.03.21

PAGE 11

Sun Sport

thewanakasun.co.nz

Wānaka Samurai Karate goes for gold Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The team from Wānaka Samurai Karate excelled at the West Otago Multi-Style Martial Arts Tournament held in Tapanui on Saturday. This annual tournament starts off the South Island regional tournament circuit each year and this year there was an excellent representation from Wānaka Samurai Karate Club. The students all competed strongly, with the majority competing for the first time, and all students won divisional medals for both Kata (performance) and Kumite (fighting). Wānaka Samurai Karate Sensei Gabriela Schmidt-Morrell said she was extremely proud of all of her students. “It can be very intimidating turning up at your first tournament, though it was wonderful to see the team spirit and the more experienced students supporting their teammates. I am excited that the team is now inspired to compete in the upcoming Canterbury Classic and Otago Southland Regional Tournaments, along with the New Zealand Open which will be held in Christchurch,” said Schmidt-Morrell.

The tournament results form the weekend were: • Jared Enoka 6/7 yrs 9+kyu, Gold Kata, Bronze Kumite • Cameron Tippett 10/11 yrs Development +8 kyu Bronze Kata, Silver Kumite • Fergus MacRae 10/11 yrs Development +8 kyu Bronze Kata, Gold Kumite • Taylor MacRae 12/13 yrs Development Gold Kata, Silver Kumite • Cory Enoka, 12/13 yrs Development Gold Kata, Gold Kumite • Kimiya Byrne 14/15 yrs Intermediate Silver Kata, Gold Kumite • Ryan Enoka 13-17 yrs Premier Gold Kata, 12/13 yrs Gold Kumite The Wānaka Samurai Karate Club trains on Tuesday and Wednesdays afternoons at the Wānaka Primary School hall. The training times are for specific ages and belt levels and Sensei Gabriela has included specialised tournament training, which has certainly helped to ready her students for the regional tournaments. Both Ryan and Kimiya ( who also assist with coaching) bring their seven years of karate experience to help train, support and encourage the younger children in the club.

The Wānaka Samurai Karate Club competitors at Tapanui last weekend.

PHOTO: Gabriela Schmidt-Morrell

PUBLIC NOTICE

N o t i c e b o a rd | P a p a P ā n u i RESOURCE CONSENT APPLICATION

Address for Service for Consent Authority:

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ACT 1991

Queenstown Lakes District Council Private Bag 50072, Queenstown 9348 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown 9300

Details of the resource consent application and submission forms are available in the offices at Queenstown Lakes District Council, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown; 74 Shotover Street, Queenstown and 47 Ardmore Street, Wānaka during normal office hours (8.00am to 5.00pm). You can also download these from our website www.qldc.govt.nz/ services/resource-consents/notified-resource-consents#public-rc or via our edocs website using the RM number as the reference www.edocs.qldc.govt.nz/Account/Login 1. J & K Timu and H Simmers (RM200872) What is proposed: Application under Section 88 of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) to undertake a two lot subdivision and establish a new building platform on Lot 2. The proposed lot sizes are as follows:

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

Dated: 25 February 2021 Signed by QUEENSTOWN LAKES DISTRICT COUNCIL Queenstown Lakes District Council

New Zealand Jet Boat River Racing Association 2021 New Zealand Jet Boat Marathon

Lot

Size

Public notice is hereby given pursuant to the Queenstown Lakes District Navigation and Safety Bylaw 2018 that Bylaws 9, 31, 43 and 51 have been uplifted to allow the running of this event.

3.29ha (building platform existing)

Legs 1, 2, 3 & 4

1.73ha (new proposed building platform)

Date: Friday 26 February 2021. Time: 8.00am to 5.00pm. Location: Matukituki River, starting from Glendhu Bay Motor Camp, upstream on the Matukituki River to the Beech Forest and return to the bridge at West Wānaka, twice.

The location in respect of which this application relates is situated at: 89 Black Peak Road, Wānaka (Lot 2 Deposited Plan 385106 held in Record of Title 340973)

NB. In case of the Matukituki River in flood, the alternative river will be the Clutha River which will be boated from the Lake Wānaka outlet to below the red Luggate bridge. i.e. the Lindis river and return to the Lake Wānaka outlet, twice.

ADDRESS FOR SERVICE FOR APPLICANT: C/- Emma Ryder emma@jea.co.nz John Edmonds and Associates PO Box 95 Queenstown 9300

It should be noted that this notice covers only the section of Clutha river to the red Luggate bridge which is within the Queenstown Lakes District Council boundaries. Times will be the same as detailed above for the Matukituki River.

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 25 March 2021, and must be served on the Consent Authority, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Private Bag 50072, Queenstown 9348 or email rcsubmission@qldc.govt.nz. These must be dated, signed by you, and include the following information: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Your name, email address (preferred), postal address and telephone number. Details of the application in respect of which you are making the submission including location and the Resource Consent number. Whether you support or oppose the application. Your submission, with reasons. The decision you wish the consent authority to make. Whether you wish to be heard in support of your submission.

In the interests of Public Safety all other river users will be excluded during the running of the four legs on this section of the Clutha River due to the speed of the race craft. Legs 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10 Date: Saturday 27 February 2021. Time: 8.00am until 5.00pm. Location: Lake Wakatipu adjacent to the Glenorchy marina up the Dart River to the Beansburn confluence and return three times. Only those craft involved in this event are exempt from the provisions of the Bylaws. Dated at Queenstown 17 February 2021. Harbourmaster M A Black

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:

Amendment to the March 2021 Meeting Schedule

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

Meeting Cancellation:

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

The meeting of the QLDC Traffic and Parking Subcommittee - previously advertised as taking place on 4 March 2021 has been cancelled.

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

PAGE 12

THURSDAY 25.02.21 - WEDNESDAY 03.03.21

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun Views

thewanakasun.co.nz

EDITORIAL

Our thriving diversity Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

What is the most common surname in Wānaka? Well, if a report released on Thursday by the Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages, it’s Smith. That’s for the whole of Otago, but we are as Otago as it gets, that pretty much sums it up. We share Smith with Northland, Waikato, Taranaki, West Coast, and Canterbury. The report makes interesting reading. Guess what the most common surname for the whole of New Zealand is? Wait for it…it's Singh! Singh tops out above Smith (2nd), Kaur (3rd), Patel (4th), and then Williams, Brown, Wilson, Taylor, Thompson and Anderson. “The list of the most common surnames for 2020 is yet another indication of Aotearoa New Zealand’s thriving diversity,” said the Executive Director of the Office of Ethnic Communities, Anusha Guler. “This is good news, as diversity in our communities helps make New Zealand a more culturally rich, innovative and connected place.” There was some regional variation with Patel being the most common family name in Wellington, and Singh in Auckland and Bay of Plenty, while Smith took out the top spot in Canterbury, Otago, West Coast and Southland. Registrar-General Jeff Montgomery said the emergence of names such as Singh, Kaur, and Patel reflected both immigration and religious affiliation trends. "Most new citizens come from the United Kingdom and India, with a significant number from Sikh backgrounds where Singh is the chosen family name for boys and Kaur for girls. Parents are also being more creative with first names. There were more than 18,000 different first names for the 58,000 babies registered last year through SmartStart. Some

PHOTO: NZ Tourism

Diversity in our communities helps make New Zealand a more culturally rich, innovative and connected place.

parents are also getting creative with family names and choosing to hyphenate names or create completely new names.” And what's the most common first name for New Zealanders? Well, its Isla for girls and Oliver for boys. Isla is joined at the top of the list by Olivia, Harper, Willow, Amelia, Sophie and Willow. No Elizabeth’s or Catherine’s or Jane’s. Oliver is joined by Jack, Leo, Thomas, George and Charlie. Somehow these seem a little more conservative than the girl's names. Nikau and Mia are the most popular Māori names, followed by Manaia and Aria. They remain the most popular Māori boys’ and girls’ names in 2020, having topped the list for the past several years. Taylor and Darcy are the most evenly split gender-neutral names for 2020, with a 51/49 per cent divide between boys and girls. There were no Jacinda’s or Judith’s on the top 10 list and no increase in Ashley’s despite these names appearing often in the media during 2020. But for me, the most interesting thing to come out of this is that our most popular surname is Singh! Not that we get a lot of Singh’s here in Wānaka - we will have to stick with Smith.

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Correction Last week the Sun published a story about the Wānaka A&P Show: “A hundred years on and as popular as ever.” There were a couple of inaccuracies in the story. The show has never had 80,000 through the gates; the largest recorded was 20,000 per day. And the event isn’t over 100 years old; rather it is 84 years old. The Sun apologises for these inaccuracies.

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Kerin A Adrian Senior Constable, NZPD Kia ora Wānaka. Phew back to level 1 and just in time for Challenge Wānaka to take place. There would have been a few sighs of relief, I’m sure, from competitors and our hospitality providers that it was able to go ahead. And to all those who took part well done in that great weather. Still a few extra motorcyclists on the roads heading home from the Burt Munro Festival in Invercargill. Again, no noticeable accidents around this and hopefully we can keep this up. This week we have had a spate of minor vehicle crashes all mainly due to a lack of attention on the part of one or the other drivers. Vehicles reversing into each other seems to be the flavour of the moment, so it pays to take that extra bit of time, and a second look, before reversing. Let's all avoid a minor incident turning into a tragedy with that bit of extra care. Drink driving is still rearing its ugly head in Wānaka and surrounding areas. With a male in the early hours of Sunday morning failing to stop for Police in Albert Town and then when stopped blowing 961 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath, close to four times over the legal limit. With licence suspended and vehicle impounded it was a very costly exercise and still an appearance in court to come. This week saw a few unfortunate scenarios involving mental health issues again. As with previous messages, when times are tough for family and friends

THE WĀNAKA SUN

PHOTO: Wānaka Sun

be strong, patient and compassionate towards them. If you or anyone needs support, the Mental Health Crisis Team can be reached on 0800 46 78 46. Wānaka Police have recently noticed an increase of cyclists failing to wear the basic safety equipment of a cycle helmet at times. At night this also stretches to no adequate lighting on cycles and dark clothing rendering some almost invisible to motorists. In the coming months, we will be having a targeted prevention campaign towards education, awareness and enforcement around this issue to prevent roading tragedies which can result from lack of this equipment- be aware! Social media is a great way to keep in touch with family and friends but remember not everyone on there is your friend. There are still a few incidents of Facebook fraud being reported, purchasing items and not have them delivered due to fake profiles and bogus goods. Remember if it looks and sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Well, that’s all from your local Wānaka policing team for this week, stay safe and let’s hope this great weather continues for a bit longer.

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

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Sun Classifieds

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TRADES AND SERVICES PAINTING

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SKIPS

INTERIORS

Domestic and Commercial Skip Bins 7.0 – 9.0 m3 Skip Bins 4.0 m3 Hard Fill Skips 4.0 m3 Rubbish Bin With Lid

 Insurance Jobs  Interior/Exterior Repaints  Bathroom Renovations

 Small Gib Stopping Jobs  Small Extensions  Air BnB Extensions

southernmaintenance@hotmail.com

CARWASH

PLANTS

NO PEN W

Contact Johnny Ph: 0224 SKIP IT (754 748) • W: www.skipit.nz When you want to get rid of it - just skip it!

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

021 531 977

NZ natives, healthy hardy trees, hebes, grasses, flax and ground covers. Affordable competitive prices. All 2.5L pots $14, grasses start from $3, 4L pots $22. 10% off all plants this month. Free local delivery on orders $100 and over. Small home native nursery open by appointment at Queensberry. Willowbank nursery on Facebook. Discounts also on larger orders. Phone 027 516 5519, or email us on nativenursery@outlook.co.nz

EVERY LETTERBOX EVERY THURSDAY Is your Wānaka Sun delivered every Thursday? If not, email your address to admin@thewanakasun.co.nz or phone us on 03 443 5252

NOTICES

THANKS

Cut rags (100% cotton) and drop cloths, only $7 for a big bag. Now in the yard container at Wastebusters. Open 9-5 seven days. Business Networking International. The Wānaka chapter of BNI meets weekly at 7am Tuesday morning. Great networking opportunity to grow your business. Contact Randal Dobbs for information 021 973 043 The Salvation Army Family Store is able to collect your donations, this service is available one day a week please phone the store on 443 5068 to make a booking.

Thanks to everyone who comes to Wastebusters to donate goods, shop and recycle. Your support helps us work for zero waste and a resourceful community.

SERVICES Wānaka Pharmacy is your local pharmacy. We’re the big pharmacy at the top of Helwick Street - open from 8am until 6pm and 10 to 6 on Sundays. Ph 443 8000. The Salvation Army Family Store is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturdays 9.30am to 4pm and most statutory holidays. We look forward to seeing you in our wonderful store.

WANTED The Salvation Army Family Store requires a volunteer to assist our van driver Danny on a Thursday with pick-ups and deliveries. If this sounds like you, please pop into the store for some more information. Lifting of furniture will be required. The Salvation Army Family Store requires good quality household goods, if you can help this would be appreciated. Your donations can be dropped at 48 Helwick street or phone for a pick up 443 5068.

STORAGE Clean, dry, safe storage available now. Ezystor Self Storage, 12 Gordon Road, Wānaka, Ph: 021 242 1630.

SUN TEAM WĀNAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER ISSUE 1015

Free delivery to Wānaka, Cromwell and surrounds, PO boxes in Makarora, Cromwell, Haast, Wānaka, Albert Town and Hāwea. Also distributed to businesses in the Wānaka business district Average circulation: 15,000 weekly. Phone: 03 443 5252 • Fax: 03 443 5250 Editor: Pat Deavoll • 0274 487 741 editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Journalist: Joanna Perry • 021 736 740 newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz Advertising: adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz Admin: Benn Ashford • 021 956 740 admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Mail: PO Box 697, Wānaka Deadlines: Display Advertising 4pm Friday prior to publication. marketing@thewanakasun.co.nz 03 443 5252 Classified Advertising 5pm Monday prior admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Subscriptions: $175 within NZ (including GST) per year. Overseas rates on request. Remittances to PO Box 697, Wānaka, NZ.

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THURSDAY 25.02.21 - WEDNESDAY 03.03.21

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun News / Classifieds

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SITUATION VACANT Correction: lost ambulance raises questions New Business Consultant Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

In last week’s article ‘Lost ambulance raises questions’, the Wānaka Sun reported that Albert Town local Emma Allwood had reached out to the office of Jacqui Dean MP and the Ministry of Health over concerns that an ambulance she called to an incident in Northlake could not locate any nearby roads on their navigation system, but was yet to receive a response from either. This was reported incorrectly. The office of Jacqui Dean MP had responded to her initial query and later contacted the office of the Minister for the Digital Economy and Communications on her behalf to highlight the issue and seek further clarification. This was referred to FENZ,

who stated that they operated on a separate CAD system and it was a matter for St John. Contact was then made with St John. Jacqui Dean MP said: “I was very concerned to hear from Ms Allwood about the incident in Northlake and did indeed take action on her behalf and on behalf of others who may find themselves in a similar predicament in the future. “After being advised that it is a matter for St John, my office has made contact with them and await a reply. “It shouldn’t matter whether you live in an established suburb or a new subdivision, residents should feel safe in the knowledge that emergency services can locate them in their hour of need.” The Wānaka Sun apologises for this error.

PUBLIC NOTICE

N o t i c e b o a rd | P a p a P ā n u i CLOSURE OF STREETS TO ORDINARY VEHICULAR TRAFFIC PURSUANT TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1974, notice is hereby given that the following roads will be closed to ordinary vehicular traffic for the purpose of holding 2021 Motatapu Sporting Event: Road to be Closed: Period of Closure:

Motatapu Road (from Wānaka – Mount Aspiring Road intersection) Saturday 6 March 2021 from 0500 to 1200

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.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

Well established financial services organisation Genuine opportunity to progress your mortgage/finance career to the next level 100% Kiwi owned business This is your chance to help move the dial for New Zealanders towards financial freedom, faster. About NZHL We help New Zealanders achieve financial freedom faster, and those aren’t just aspirational words, that’s actually what we do. In fact, our clients are currently saving more than $35 million dollars in interest costs per year, which is pretty awesome. For us it’s all about partnering to provide a tested loan structure, tools that get results and of course personalised service. We do all of this in a very passionately Kiwi way, with more than 75 locally owned businesses right across New Zealand and we are excited by the opportunities that this region presents. We’ve been helping Kiwi’s for almost 25 years, but we think it is just the beginning for NZHL in the Southern Lakes and are seeking passionate people who want to make financial freedom, faster, a reality for more local homeowners. About the Role NZHL-Southern Lakes is after a self-starter to write business and help more people in our region into financial freedom. We need someone who has good existing networks, makes connections, builds relationships, and pursues opportunities. You will be leading the Wānaka office, so this a great opportunity to own the local market and have a long-term career within NZHL. This is a flexible and autonomous financial services role (home loans and insurance) that will reward you for what you put in.

If you like the sound of creating your own future and helping others do the same, send your resume and cover letter to carrie.tyrer@nzhl.co.nz

SITUATION VACANT

BUSY AT WĀNAKA POOL

NEW ENTRANT CLASSROOM TEACHER

22 FEBRUARY – 19 MARCH

Local primary schools are visiting Wānaka Recreation Centre for their school swimming and water safety programme. From 22 February until Friday 19 March there’ll be very limited public access to the learners’ pool between 9.00am-2.00pm every weekday except Thursdays and Fridays when half the pool will be free. Other pool users may wish to schedule their visits to the learners’ pool around these times. Four lanes in the lap pool will remain free for public swimming between 9.00am– 2.00pm weekdays during this period. Many thanks for your co-operation while our local children learn these essential life skills. For more info please contact (03) 443 9334 | wrc@qldc.govt.nz

LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT (TEACHER AIDE) - PART TIME, IMMEDIATE START

Te Kura O Take Kārara is seeking an experienced and highly capable Learning Support Assistant (Teacher Aide) to work in a range of contexts. Experience and Skills include: • Recent experience working with children • An understanding of different learning methods • Ability to cater for students’ varying needs • Excellent relationship building and communication skills • Patience, resilience, adaptability and empathy • Experience supporting children with personal care would be an advantage The position is part time and hours are to be confirmed. Hours per week are during school term time only and will be fixed-term for the 2021 school year (from now until approximately the 17 December 2021). It is likely that the position will continue into 2022. The successful applicant will be required to complete a Police Clearance Check prior to commencement. Applications close 26 February. Please send your CV and covering letter to: jodie.howard@takekarara.school.nz .

FULL TIME, FIXED TERM Start Date: 29/03/2021, End Date: 17/12/2021 (Roll growth)

Kitchen Assistant/Tea Cook Part-time permanent position Aspiring, Wanaka

Positions, within Enliven - the South’s largest provider of aged residential care. Working 5 shifts per fortnight with casual work available. Shifts are 9:30am-6pm. Applications close 17 March For further information, please contact Madeleine Esdaile, Manager of Aspiring on 03 555 3010 Visit www.psotago.org.nz/jobs for details and to apply

www.psotago.org.nz/jobs

LIKE NEWS, SHARE STORIES

Are you a dynamic teacher after a new and exciting challenge who wants to be part of a positive and empowering learning culture? Do you have proven skills in building strong relationships, working in collaborative teams and in creating a child-centred approach to teaching and learning? We are looking for an innovative and future focused teacher who has high expectations of self, is motivated, passionate and has a sense of fun and wonderment. In turn, we offer a committed team who holds the learner at the heart of decision making and a fun, vibrant workplace with support and opportunities for your professional growth. This position is in the junior school, with a team who embrace a play based learning pedagogy, are passionate about using our local environment for learning and who encourage our students to be courageous l earners. A sound understanding of the New Zealand Curriculum and the ability to create an inclusive and culturally responsive environment are essential, as are strengths in literacy and numeracy and the ability to work with diverse learners. Applications close 5 March. Please send your covering letter and CV, and direct enquiries to: Jodie Howard, Principal 3 Grace Wright Drive jodie.howard@takekarara.school.nz 039747575

YOUR AD WILL REACH THE MOST LOCALS ONLINE IN

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Career opportunities like this do not happen often & the importance of having flexibility in your working day cannot be overstated in a region like this. Ski, mountain bike or fish in the morning & do business in the afternoon. A competitive salary plus commission remuneration package is on offer for the right person. About you  You will be a sharp hunter with an extensive network of current and future  homeowners/insurance leads in the local region, though you will have no restrictions on where you can write business.  You have a determination to succeed, a passion for helping people and a willingness to learn and adapt to a fast-changing technological and regulatory environment. Key attributes: • Relevant experience in the Financial industry or Level 5 Core Strand & RPL • Proven networking skills and the ability to build rapport and trust • Track record in identifying, understanding and exceeding client needs through building effective relationships • A proactive listener with good verbal and written communication skills • Knowledge and experience of sales techniques and procedures • Thrives on the opportunity to control your own earnings potential

THURSDAY 25.02.21 - WEDNESDAY 03.03.21

www.thewanakasun.co.nz

PAGE 15

Sun Sport

Wānaka Rowing Club at the National Champs

PHOTOS: Supplied

Aaron Maxwell came away with a bronze medal in the men’s intermediate single sculls.

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Despite the uncertainty of the NZ Rowing Champs regatta going ahead, Wānaka Rowing Club managed to achieve some top-notch results at the NZ National Rowing Championships in Twizel last weekend, bringing home 2 golds, 1 silver and 2 bronzes medals. The schedule was compacted to three days, February 18 to 20. Aaron Maxwell said Twizel showed off some “outstanding weather” with “nothing but flat water and blue sky.” The first medal went to Pipi Horan in the women’s intermediate single sculls. The women’s intermediate double sculls event saw two competitive Wānaka crews race. Neve Faed and Bella Sarginson placed in their heat sending them through to the semi-final where they just missed out on an A-final, however they

Both the women’s intermediate double sculls crews combined to make a quad with Thomas Mitchell in the coxswain seat for the women’s intermediate coxed quad sculls, taking home the gold.

managed to nudge themselves into 2nd place in the B-final. Pipi Horan and Emily Findlay were in lead position for their A-final, where they secured the club’s first gold medal of the competition. Both the women’s intermediate double sculls crews combined to make a quad with Thomas Mitchell in the coxswain seat for the women’s intermediate coxed quad sculls, where they blitzed their opposition in the heat and went straight through to the A-final. They took home the gold, with the 2nd place boat a full 10 seconds behind them. Aaron Maxwell was given the opportunity to compete in a composite crew with the Gisborne Rowing Club men’s coxed eight, winning a bronze medal. He also competed in the men’s single sculls, and came away with a bronze medal in the men’s intermediate single sculls. Maxwell said Wānaka had a “phenomenal regatta with an impressive medal haul for such a minimal amount of rowers taken.”

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WAFC miss fire in preseason games Last Saturday on a sunny afternoon both the Wānaka AFC Premier Reserve and Premier teams played their first full games for 2021 at the Wānaka Recreation Centre. First up was the Premier Reserves against Otago University’s third team from Dunedin. Both games were played in three 30-minute halves. Despite the hot condition’s players from both teams put on a show. In the first half University open the scoring with a fine goal shot outside the box just minutes into the game then Wānaka equalised 15 minutes later to go into the first five-minute break 1-1. The second half was bit more disjointed for Wānaka after position and player changes resulting in two goals for University who went into the second five minute break 2-1. The third half was a very different affair for the home team who were much more settled and patient and completely dominated and created many chances and shots on goal but just couldn’t get the ball in the back of the net. The best shot was a cracker form 15-year-old Blake Lang who fired a rocket ball from the top of the box only for it hit just under the top bar and have the ball deflected out. The game ended 3-1 to Otago University AFC. The second game saw the WAFC Premier team take on Cromwell A in a fast-paced seesaw match with goals galore. One team would score, then the other and so that went for the entire match. Eventually, Cromwell came out on top winning 5-7 including two penalty goals. “Wins would have been nice but the most important thing was the players got and had their first hit-out for the season and for many of them it was their first time playing together and for Wānaka,” said a senior club representative. Asked if they were disappointed in the results;

PHOTO: WAFC

18 year old WAFC Premier player Toa Roode control’s the ball against Cromwell.

“No, not at all. Preseason results don’t mean much. It all about trying things out from training and finding combinations and things don’t always work straight away. We also had players away on both teams. We will go back at training and work on things and after our next two preseason games against South City Royals from Dunedin thing should start to click”. Next Saturday both Wānaka teams will travel to Dunedin for home and away series against the new team in Dunedin, the South City Royals, and then on March 6 they play in Wānaka at the Wānaka Recreation Centre. – By WAFC

A clubhouse to beat them all Our wonderful clubhouse is now under construction. With 1650m2 of floorspace, it will offer a swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, movie theatre, lounges with gas fireplaces, a bar and café, games and billiards room, library and social spaces for meetings and special occasions. And there’s more outside, with decks, outdoor fireplace, barbecue area and bowling green. It’s all yours when you become a resident of our over-65 community at Queenstown Country Club.

Call Hilary 0800 111 410 or visit queenstowncountryclub.co.nz Artist’s impression

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THURSDAY 25.02.21 - WEDNESDAY 03.03.21

THE WĀNAKA SUN