Wanaka Sun | 26 November - 02 December 2020 | Edition 1002 by Wanaka Sun

Two new residents

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

For Lake Hawea.

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EDITION 1002

18m high Santa for Wānaka

PHOTO: Supplied

This Santa once graced the Queens St Farmers building in Auckland.

PHOTO: Jason Rhodes

An 18m high Santa which once adorned the Queens St Farmers building in Auckland for 60 years has made its way south and taken up residence at the National Transport and Toy Museum out at the airport. Santa was built in 1960 by the Farmers department store and at the time was the world’s largest fibreglass Santa. Owner of the NTT museum Jason Rhodes said it took five days to truck the Santa down from Auckland, and that there were no “hiccups.” “He generated a lot of interest along the way. “We are now going to assess him sometime in the New Year- he needs a few patch ups and a new paint job. “We want him on permanent display.” He said the Santa would not be back in one piece in time for this Christmas, but hopefully next.

Foreshore e-bike rental a no-go Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

proposal to establish an e-bike rental on the Lake Wānaka foreshore has been denied consent by the council. LandEscape applied to operate out of a food/coffee caravan on the recreational reserve beside the Mt Aspiring car park but was told the foreshore was at “commercial capacity,” LandEscape already operates an e-bike and

hot-tub rental business on 115ha near Hāwea Flat, and has 80 e-bikes. Batteries for the bikes are strategically placed at hubs around the trails. LandEscape also provides shuttles to and from clients accommodation. LandEscape owner Rik Deaton was convinced his e-bike business proposal would benefit the community saying the concept was to “promote active sightseeing by e-bike.” “Initially we wanted to use the coffee caravan with outdoor seating as a ‘focal point’ where test

rides and safety briefings could happen,” he said. The lakefront reserve would give the ability to keep delivering more bikes through the day. People could start from the lakefront and do a battery swap at the property at Hāwea Flat or the Albert Town bridge. Deaton initially went to the Wānaka Community Board in September last year and submitted the proposal, stating his company needed a base for operations in town. The proposal was for “active sightseeing and

transport” around the cycle trails during the day. The Community Board members said it was a “great idea,” and within the Lakefront Management Plan, and advised Deaton to apply for a coffee caravan license, and add the e-bikes to it. It would be approved, he was told. On the basis of this, LandEscape employed a professional planner and applied to the QLDC for the licence to operate on the Roys Bay foreshore. Continued on page 3

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Lake Hāwea has two new residents! nest is exposed to predation, Darby said. “This is why floating nesting platforms have been designed for the grebe population on Lake Wānaka, and we have installed one on Lake Hāwea for this pair.” The birds showed far more interest in the nesting platform when we presented them with it than the nest they were building and within hours were improving on it, he said. Darby doesn’t recognize the pair. He said he was unable to “mark” the grebes in Wānaka with a leg band because 99 per cent of the time their legs are underwater. If one egg hatches and the bird has a chick on its back, it will generally cut its losses and desert any other eggs that might be in the nest, said Darby. So it is crucial to know when the eggs are laid to calculate when they will hatch, usually 24 days later. It is not uncommon for eggs to be laid two days apart. The hatching period can span as long as a week, depending on how many eggs there are. Both the male and female share in the incubation of the eggs. And share in feeding the chicks. “The reaction of the Hawea people has been wonderful; they are very determined the birds will get everything that they need,” Darby said.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

For a long as retired zoologist John Darby can remember there has not been a successful breeding pair of crested grebes on Lake Hāwea. But now there is! The pair have laid two eggs. “I have been aware that grebes have attempted to breed here in the past. But they have always failed because of the conditions that prevail on the lake,” Darby said. “This would be the first to breed successfully if they do so.” They have a very complex lifecycle, Darby said. “They can barely walk on land which is a big problem and so as an escape mechanism they build a floating nest, usually under willow trees. The reason for that is that they brood their chicks on their back, not underneath them. Within an hour of the chicks hatching they will climb onto the back of the adult. It is an anti-predator strategy. It is the only bird I know that can physically remove its chicks from danger.” If the lake levels rise the nests become detached and float away, and if the lake levels go down the

PHOTO: John Langley

They can barely walk on land, which is a big problem and so as an escape mechanism they build a floating nest, usually under willow trees.

$3 million funding coup for WAI Wānaka Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Wai Wānaka

Eighty per cent of the $3m will be spent on employing people; 20 per cent on direct costs and overheads.

WAI (Water Action Initiative) Wānaka has gained $3M in funding from Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) to employ Wānaka folk in the Jobs for Nature ( JFN) programme over the next three years. The funding will allow Wai Wānaka to employ up to 30 people in full-time and part-time roles for months at a time on a variety of environmental projects on farms. WAI recruited about 14 people in part and fulltime roles for its first eight weeks "Partnering to Plant" project which established and maintained thousands of natives in the Gladstone track area. Part of the reason we got the funding was that we had already brought together five catchment groups in the Upper Clutha and all of these were doing their own environmental actions, WAI Wānaka manager Julie Perry said "So we were able to say to MPI that there was that tremendous willingness to support environmental work amongst the landowners. "As an example, before we got the MPI funding, we had some through the Sustainable Business Networks to employ eight people for eight weeks for the Partnering to Plant project.

"One of the properties we planted on, the owners said they had an eight-year plan to fence and plant an area. By getting our teams there for a day and a half to work on that property shaved three years off his eight-year plan." The landowners sign an agreement to maintain the areas planted, Perry said. There is a commitment that's evolved through benefitting from the previous Jobs for Nature teams. Eighty per cent of the $3m will be spent on employing people; 20 per cent on direct costs and overheads. Landowners pay for plants and fencing, rabbit poisoning, watering etc. At the moment we are doing detailed planning said Perry. "We don't want to give all the money to the rich farmers- we need to work with farmers to understand their budgets and what they can support." Detailed planning was expected to be completed by March next year she said when even more workers would be needed for phase three, which would continue until July 2022. Other workers will be needed to help link the Jobs for Nature projects with work already happening across the Upper Clutha catchment, and to work with landowners. The Jobs for Nature initiative was announced last May aimed at providing funding for 11,000 jobs to support various environmental projects

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Tiny house nightmare Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

When Krissy Bain determined on a tiny house for her and her two children and found a kind landowner who would allow her the space to carry out the build, she had no idea that ten months down the track her life would be a nightmare. Back in April, just after the lockdown, Daniel Taylor of Luggate responded to a plea from Bain for land to carry out the build. Things went well for the first few months with Taylor loaning Bain tools for the build, and giving labour and advice when she needed it although at a cost. In August Taylor gave Bain the option to stay permanently on the land for $100 a week once the build was finished. “By August I had given him $8000 to help me build, “ said Bain. “But then I had no more budget for any more help, and I needed to complete the build myself. “Then Taylor said he could do the plumbing for me. I insisted it be appropriately signed off. He said he wouldn’t put anything in writing but that the job would be $5000. I located a plumber in town and got a quote of $1800. And this guy could do it in a week. “So between me paying him $8000 and him quoting me $5000 I realised this guy wasn’t there to help me out of the goodness of his heart- he was using my build as an income source. Alarm bells were going off, and at that point, I decided I just wanted to get off the property.” Bain went to the police for help to get her tiny house off the property. They said they would

escort me, she said. She arranged for a truck for the move but got a message from Taylor to say he was too busy to deal with the move. Bain approached the police again who went to the property to find it locked. Taylor said he had “unresolved issues” with Bain but again, didn’t have time to deal with this. The police made Taylor agree to a meeting with Bain in three days time but yet again he was too busy on the day. Since then Bain has approached Community Law and at their advice hired a lawyer. Taylor has issued her with an invoice for $1200, which Bain said was “falsified.” But she agreed to pay it on condition that she be able to remove her house. Community Law said the quickest way to get access to the house was to “just pay it.” Graham Taylor is the father of Daniel Taylor and agreed to speak to the Sun.” The whole thing is getting out of proportion,” he said “Daniel has helped people with four different tiny houses in the past.” He advised Bain on the frame of the tiny house. He was concerned it would be over weight. The whole thing came to a halt at one stage because Bain had run out of funds. A month ago, Daniel Taylor said he had finished his part of the agreement. “There was then an agreement to pay rent, after which everything blew up,” Graham Taylor said Bain decided to move the house off the property but there was $1200 still owed to Daniel Taylor. “We decided she had to pay the money ($1200) she owed and tidy up the property because the moment the house left the property we had no leverage.

Daniel Taylor of Luggate. The tiny house. What was once a dream come true has turned into a nightmare for Krissy Bain and her two boys.

“Next thing she turned up with the police,” said Graham Taylor.” Daniel Taylor told the police the house wasn’t stolen. “We asked that she write us a letter stating that once the house was off the property she had no claim on us. “She could come and get it (the house) tomorrow but for the simple reason she had to have the money in the bank and it has to clear first. “She said she wants to pay when she takes the house away, but she could cancel the payment. And I really think she would do that,” said Graham Taylor. “I can just see this all coming back on top of us, and costing us time and energy at a time when we a really busy (as agricultural contractors). “The whole thing is absolutely ridiculous.”

Krissy Bain with sons Liam and Ollie.

PHOTOS: Supplied

Foreshore e-bike rental a no-go Continued from page 1 It was a comprehensive strategy to replace sightseeing visitors’ cars and motorhomes by providing “a viable and desirable alternative for sightseers”, he said and was consistent with council’s stated objective to encourage active transport. But Deaton’s application wasn’t supported by council Senior Parks and Reserves Planner Aaron Burt. “Council, out of hand and without even a letter of rejection, gave us a verbal no,” Deaton said. “They said it ‘doesn’t fit with our plans for the lakefront reserve.’ “There was not a shred of a reason given to the rejection other than that the LandEscape activity suggested would limit the ability of the public to enjoy the reserve in the area sought,” Deaton said. “One person made the decision. There was no

process to look at the benefits of our proposal.” “We had already set up a shop in town at this stage, so all in all this cost us around $50,000 down the drain, courtesy of QLDC. We don’t like QLDC.’ Deaton then took his concerns to the Wānaka Community Board on November 5, in a 19-page submission but was declined the opportunity to present his case during a public forum, on the grounds his statement would have exceeded the allocated three-minute timeframe “It was a very detailed submission on how we would operate and the benefits of active transport,” he said. “So that’s where we are at.” “We have launched a petition on our website, and in the next few weeks we will be intensively lobbying- we are going to ask the community what they think.”

When approached by the Sun Burt responded: “The suggested activity would limit the ability of the public to enjoy the reserve in the area – such an activity could instead utilise a commercial premises in the CBD to operate its business. “The purpose of recreation reserves is to provide areas for the recreation, physical welfare and enjoyment of the public. Commercial uses can on occasion be allowed where necessary to enable the public to obtain the benefit and enjoyment of the reserve, or for the convenience of persons using the reserve. “Reserve Management Plans assist with the consideration, and if an activity is specifically provided under an RMP then notification can sometimes be avoided. “The suggested activity would limit the ability of the public to enjoy the reserve in the area – such an activity could instead utilise a commercial premises in the CBD to operate its business.”

PHOTO: Rachel Matheson

LandEscape rents out 80 e-bikes from its hub at Hāwea Flat.

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RRAG re-imagining Queenstown Lakes District

PHOTO: Pixabay

People have just a few more days to share freshwater visions for their freshwater management unit or rohe.

Last chance to share freshwater vision Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

A region-wide roadshow of community meetings about freshwater in Otago comes to a close this week, and people have just a few more days to share freshwater visions for their freshwater management unit or rohe. The Otago Regional Council (ORC) has been conducting meetings from Owaka to Oamaru and everywhere in between since late October, as part of the preparation for its upcoming Regional Policy Statement (RPS). The meeting in Wānaka was on the November 25. One section of the RPS, newly required

under this year’s National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management, requires ORC to canvas Otago communities for their freshwater visions for the future of the region. The RPS will set the environmental management direction for Otago, and is scheduled for notification in June next year. Team Leader RPS, Air and Coast Lisa Hawkins said turn-out at the community meetings had been good, and people were eager to engage. “This consultation is really packing a huge campaign into a short window, so we are really grateful to everyone who has joined in to have their say on the future of freshwater in Otago.” The online survey had received 138 responses

as of the morning of November 25. Community and iwi visions for freshwater will be included as part of the RPS, which is on track to be notified by June 2021 in accordance with ORC’s commitment to the Minister for the Environment. Freshwater management units and rohe are geographic areas for managing freshwater and land use. The boundaries have been proposed by ORC and enable a tailored approach rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. If you missed the meeting in Wanaka and still want to have your say, you can fill out an online survey up until 5pm this Friday, 27 November, at https://yoursay.orc.govt.nz/our-water-our-vision.

Northlake granted second appeal Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Court of Appeal has granted Northlake Investments Ltd leave to appeal its District Court conviction for discharging contaminated water into the Clutha River from the subdivision in August 2017. The application was heard by three Court of Appeal judges on September 30 in a common proceeding when a matter has already been appealed once to the High Court. In August 2017, heavy rainfall carried sediment from the earthworks at the Northlake site to the Clutha River, just over 1 km away. Northlake was prosecuted for discharging a contaminant into water and fined $42,500 in September 2019, but immediately appealed this decision on the basis that “the Judge erred both in law and in his assessment of the evidence by finding that Northlake failed to take the necessary reasonable precautions to prevent the discharge,” and that there was disparity with the sentence imposed on its contractor Civil

PHOTO: Winton Group

Winton CEO Chris Meehan: “The Winton Group, including Northlake, is proud of its consistently responsible and structured approach to compliance, particularly under the Resource Management Act, as evidenced by its perfect record to date.

Construction Ltd (CCL). CCL pleaded guilty to the same offence and was fined $25,500 in January 2019. This appeal was rejected by the High Court. Speaking on behalf of Northlake, Winton Group CEO Chris Meehan said: “Northlake is pleased to receive confirmation that leave to appeal has been granted by the Court of Appeal. “The Winton Group, including Northlake, is proud of its consistently responsible and structured approach to compliance, particularly under the Resource Management Act, as evidenced by its perfect record to date. Northlake’s position remains that it did all things required of a prudent developer, including relying on quality contractors and expert consultants, and was not an active or primary discharger under the RMA. Therefore Northlake is looking for the Court of Appeal to recognise it is not responsible for the breach.” Now that leave has been granted by the Court, the appeal can be progressed, but Deputy Registrar Chris Abraham said no hearing date had been set down at this stage.

PHOTO: Twitter

RRAG Chair Simon Telfer.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Re-imagining Queenstown Lakes District’s economy and community wellbeing has been the work of the Regenerative Recovery Advisory Group (RRAG) during the second half of this year. This group of diverse individuals from across the district was asked to seek new direction and challenge existing thinking as it reviewed ideas for the community’s future. It would contribute to Council’s Diversification Plan and integrate with Vision 2050 and Council’s 2021-31 Ten Year Plan. “Think of the RRAG as both a think tank to assess and understand the challenges of COVID-19 and an incubator to support ideas and help turn them into actions,” said RRAG Chair Simon Telfer. “We have held to a holistic view of community wellbeing which takes into account economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions,” he said. “While economic diversification was an early focus, our work has highlighted that a long-term recovery needs to be much broader. Building leadership and community engagement is key to resilience.” The Group’s outputs to date include scenario planning to imagine the district’s best and worst future outcomes, based on various environmental, economic, social and growth factors. It has also adopted a strategic framework for evaluating emerging ideas that aligns with globally accepted standards for regenerative wellbeing. The latest piece of foundational work was an assessment of the conditions required for new ideas to grow roots and thrive in the region. The first external initiative kick started by the RRAG was a technology training and employment concept that is currently undergoing due diligence. The RRAG is an independent, community-led group working in partnership with the QLDC. It was formed in June, has met fortnightly and will continue through to mid 2021.

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Hāwea Flat School promised temporary classrooms Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz PHOTO: Hunter Heath

An opening day turnout of 5,000 people had the new Mitre 10 carpark looking hectic last Saturday.

Mitre 10 opens doors to half the town Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

The long-awaited Mitre 10 Wānaka opened its doors last Saturday, when a very high turnout left drivers with no space to park. Co-owner and Chairman of Mitre 10 New Zealand Martin Dippie said he thought half of Wānaka had visited the store for opening day. “We estimate around 5,000 people came through the doors on Saturday,” he said. Store manager Mark Watson said it was rewarding to see the community embrace the store after everyone involved had worked so hard to get the job done. The build took 14 months, despite the challenges and disruption brought about by Covid-19, such as a delay to receiving building materials ordered from Austria. “It’s been a massive team effort that showcases

the strength of our family business model and highlights the true spirit of cooperation and the power of the cooperative,” Dippie said. Located at Three Parks Business Centre, the store is said to demonstrate innovation and sustainability. Featuring a photovoltaic solar array on the roof, electric vehicle charging stations and energy efficient lighting, heating and cooling, the building also houses a recycling station that takes difficult-to-recycle materials such as soft plastics and polystyrene and a massive 3,900m2 garden centre. Despite the crowds, reception from the Wānaka public was very positive, with some opening day visitors referring to the store as the best in New Zealand. The fate of the old Mitre 10 on Plantation Road remained uncertain, with Dippie telling the Wānaka Sun there were a “couple of people” interested.

No parking for marina users

Around 7,500 students nationwide, and 265 at Hāwea Flat School, are set to benefit from a government investment of $164 million to build new classrooms and upgrade schools around the country, the Education Minister announced last week. Amongst the projects announced was a $5 million pledge to fund short-term classrooms at schools in the South Island facing severe pressure from rapid roll growth, including Hāwea Flat School. Principal Tania Pringle said the addition of two temporary classrooms would provide “much needed space” whilst four new permanent roll growth classrooms, promised by the MoE in September last year, were built. It was expected that the permanent classrooms would be completed by 2021, after an initial delay - partially due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In the meantime, temporary structures “similar to those being provided at Mount Aspiring College” would help to house the growing student population, currently at 265, from early next year. “Our roll continues to grow as there are lots of young families in our school zone as well as families moving into the area,” said Pringle. “While we are currently operating 10 classrooms

PHOTO: Beehive

Chris Hipkins: “Families rightly expect their children to be able to learn in warm, dry and comfortable classrooms, and we are working hard to make that happen.”

we expected to be running 12 if not 13 by this time next year.” “Families rightly expect their children to be able to learn in warm, dry and comfortable classrooms, and we are working hard to make that happen as a major contributor to New Zealand being the best country in the world to bring up a child,” Hipkins said.

Keeping you running fit PHOTO: Supplied

Workers - including those from QLDC and ORC - continue to take up spaces beside the marina, and park in the gravel section reserved for cars with trailers.

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Marina development workers parking all day by the marina have left slipway users “angry and disappointed,” according to director of Wānaka Marina and Wānaka Lakes Coastguard volunteer Mike Barker. Barker said that, despite the Wānaka Lakefront Development Plan foremen being asked to park on the road above the site, workers from different companies - including Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and Otago Regional Council (ORC) - continued to take up spaces beside the marina on a daily basis. They also parked in the P5 spaces and the gravel section reserved for cars with trailers. This prevented “those wishing to use the slipways, commercial enterprises and those carrying out maintenance to the marina or wharves from parking anywhere nearby.” Krystle Theunissen, owner of Wānaka Water Taxis, which runs trips from the marina twice daily, said this had been a problem for organisations operating out of the marina for over a year, including last summer. It affected her tour operators, who often stored life jackets or payment systems in their cars, or needed to

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go back and forth throughout their days, as well as their guests - who they had to advise to park elsewhere. A number of other groups, including Paddle Wānaka, Wānaka Eco Tours and the Coastguard were impacted by the constant lack of spaces, which Barker said “[did] not reflect well on the tourism we are hoping to promote for the commercial operators of Wānaka.” A group of operators contacted QLDC about the issue last year, but Council’s response was that it was public parking and there was nothing they could do. QLDC had also been asked to open up parking along the unmade section of the car park - which was reserved for boat trailers, but rarely full - but marina users parking in that section continued to receive tickets. In response to photos taken of QLDC and ORC vehicles parking illegally in this section, spokesperson Jack Barlow said: “QLDC is always disappointed to hear about cars parking illegally. QLDC treats all vehicles in the same manner, and QLDC fleet vehicles parking illegally are subject to the same level of enforcement as all others.” “Enforcement does take place at the marina. CCTV has been installed in the area to assist with higher levels of compliance, and after a period of education enforcement will commence,” he said.

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$55,000 raised for The Hub

PHOTO: Supplied

Join the celebration at the Lake Wānaka Centre at 2pm on Sunday, November 29.

Celebrating Beethoven’s 250th birthday Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Gina Treadwell

Liam, Owen and Nadia Thomas set up a cake stall outside their home in Eden Close. Business boomed for them – so much so, that their mother was sent back to cook more.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Over 500 people attended the Wānaka House and Garden Tour last weekend with a great many more wishing they had. The event was a resounding success- the properties were a fantastic selection of very different places- large houses, little cottages, and very large park gardens. The event was jointly run by the Wānaka Community Hub and Aspiring Rotary. There were 23 properties in the tour with a real mix of houses and gardens. All proceeds raised from the event went to reducing debt on the Wānaka Community Hub. Tickets were sold out within 48 hours with an ever-growing waitlist as the event got closer. The event also included a garden party on the Saturday evening. Guests were bussed to the Olive Grove from the centre of town and enjoyed a silk lined marquee and free flowing champagne, cocktails and wine together with a feast put on by Aspiring Rotary. Gina Treadwell, Manager of the Wānaka Community Hub, and House and Garden event coordinator said the weekend was one to remember. “The committee worked tirelessly over four months to ensure a wonderful weekend – and the hard work really paid off.” Treadwell said: “There were so many great things to come out of the weekend but one

that really stuck in my mind was the wonderful entrepreneurial spirit of a couple of groups of children. One group, Liam, Owen and Nadia Thomas set up a cake stall outside their home in Eden Close. The children had cakes on offer and business boomed for them – so much so, that their mother was sent back to cook more. On Monday morning the three of them turned up to donate $130 of their takings to the Hub. “The overwhelming feedback has been that everyone loved the selection of properties and got a wonderful taste of the district. One attendee came into the Hub on Monday morning and said they had been on numerous House and Garden Tours and this was the most professional, well run event they had been on. Comments like that make it all worthwhile,” said Treadwell. While final invoices were still to come in, the result was beyond anything we had hoped for, she said. “We will be close to raising a massive $55,000 for the Hub. “Huge thanks must go to the property owners, sponsors, volunteers and most of all to the committee members from Aspiring Rotary whose dedication and commitment to the event has been phenomenal.” Treadwell’s final comment: “I have been asked at least 15 times in the last few days when the next one is going to be and if they can go on a waitlist for tickets. I think we will take a big breath first.”

PHOTO: Andrew Sloan

Classically Music students performing at their end of year concert on Sunday.

Guided Tours of Outstanding Private Gardens . . .

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The Central Otago Regional Orchestra will be celebrating German composer and pianist Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday this weekend with a performance of three of his works in Alexandra and Wānaka. Under the baton of Ashley Hopkins, the orchestra will perform the ‘Name Day Overture’ written for the Austrian Emperor Franz I in celebration of his name day saint, Francis of Assisi. Symphony No. 8 will also be performed; an unconventional piece due to its unusual start with a repeated theme, rather than a crashing chord. Beethoven’s seventh and eighth symphonies were written at the same time, and initially, audiences favoured the former. Beethoven was recorded as

saying, “that is because [the eighth] is so much better!” In time, the eighth came to be fully appreciated for its humour. The second half of the concert will see the return of Auckland pianist Patrick Cornfield to play Beethoven’s last completed ‘Emperor Piano Concerto’ (Piano Concerto No. 5). The concerto was written for Beethoven’s patron and pupil Archduke Rudolph. While it was first performed in 1811, Beethoven withheld a Viennese performance of this for three years hoping that his increasing deafness would improve. Sadly, it did not, and after another ten years of composing completely deaf, he died in 1827 at the age of 56. Join the celebration of his life at the Lake Wānaka Centre at 2pm on Sunday, November 29. Tickets cost $20 per adult and are available from Gifted Design.

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Risk over our heads: Wānaka festivals and Covid

PHOTO: Supplied

20 volunteers attended the working bees last week to clear leaves, cut branches, weed paths, and carry soil to prepare the boxes for planting.

Community garden project blossoms Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Rhythm & Alps

New Year's Eve festival Rhythm & Alps was the first of New Zealand's big summer festivals to release its lineup for this summer, announcing early on that the festival would be offering a fully domestic line-up.

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

When producer Alix Perez moved to New Zealand from the UK with his Kiwi fiance, and launched a sold-out tour with a Rhythm and Alps warm-up gig in Wānaka last month, he was one of the first international performers to play a show in NZ since the Covid-19 outbreak. Since then, more music artists have reportedly secured government exceptions to enter the country after a fortnight in managed isolation on Critical Purpose Visitor Visas. An Immigration New Zealand spokesperson confirmed to RNZ that the Bay Dreams festival had helped 15 people through this process - just one of the adjustments that festival planners are having to make in light of the ongoing pandemic. New Year's Eve festival Rhythm & Alps was the first of New Zealand's big summer festivals to release its lineup for this summer, announcing early on that the festival would be offering a fully domestic line-up. Founder and director Alex Turnbull said this was partly to avoid ongoing Covid-10 border restrictions, but also to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the festival by making it “as local to NZ as possible.” Other Covid-related changes to the festival

planning included establishing a dedicated role covering Covid compliance, arranging for increased hygiene messaging across the festival and building contingencies around changes in alert levels. Turnbull acknowledged that, although the government was keen for large events to run as a way of containing young people enjoying the Christmas and New Year period in a safe environment, at Alert Level 2, the festival would not be operational and refunds would be provided. Were there to be a change in alert levels during the festival itself, however, Turnbull said they would “absolutely not” be turning the music off and sending guests away. “We would contain them as one bubble,” he said, rather than release them into town. Turnbull was joined by Nathan White, director of the newly established wine and food festival, Ripe, planned for March 2021, in remaining hopeful that upcoming festivals would be able to go ahead as planned. White said that, as Ripe was expecting over 2,000 visitors, it would be impossible to operate in a Level 2 situation, but he would seek to postpone the event rather than cancel, if possible. “There is a risk sitting over all our heads, but we have to be optimistic,” said White.

LINK Upper Clutha’s community garden project is underway after two working bees were held last week. This initiative, which began when the Wānaka Community Hub donated land and six unused planter boxes, aims to bring together Upper Clutha residents interested in growing vegetables who may not have the space, resources, or knowledge to do so at home with tools, expertise and community support. LINK Facilitator Kathy Dedo said that an initial advertisement to get involved received a great response, and a mix of two community groups, three local families and one individual had signed up to take ownership of one garden box each - with some help. “Our mentor gardening experts include volunteers from Grow Wānaka, “Dr. Compost” Ben Elms, Queenstown Lakes District Council’s Diana Manson, and a few other experienced

locals,” said Dedo. “Mount Aspiring College’s Team Green and junior social studies students have also volunteered time. Mitre 10 has generously donated gardening equipment and plants, and The Yard has provided discounted soil, compost, and gravel.” 20 volunteers attended the working bees, and after clearing leaves, cutting branches, weeding paths, sealing planter boxes and carrying soil and compost to fill the boxes, the gardens are ready to be planted on Sunday. Dedo welcomed anyone who would like to get involved in the project, either as a gardener or a helper, to contact her. “In our Covid-impacted world, food resilience has become even more important,” she said. “Having the ability to grow your own fruit and veg means you can sustain yourself and share with others. I can already see a wonderful sense of community growing in the team. All of us at LINK, Community Networks, and the Hub are excited about the energy this brings.”

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THURSDAY 26.11.20 - WEDNESDAY 02.12.20

PAGE 7

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New GM for Wastebusters Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Wastebusters Board has appointed Tony Pfeiffer to be the new General Manager for the zero waste social enterprise. Board Chair Sally Battson said the Board was delighted to have someone with Tony’s skills and experience joining Wastebusters as the GM. “It’s very timely to be welcoming Tony to Wastebusters in the week when we are also formally farewelling our former GM, Sue Coutts and celebrating 20 years of Wastebusters serving our community. “It gives us a perfect opportunity to reflect on the inspirational, industry-leading work done by Sue over the last twenty years and to look forward, with excitement, to what might be achievable in

the next twenty years. Pfeiffer moved to Wānaka about 18 months ago and has been settling into his new community by building a home here and joining the Challenge Wānaka Sports Trust Board. He has 30 years’ experience in the electricity utilities sector, most recently holding the position of Managing Director of Enova Community Energy (a community owned Social Enterprise) in Byron Bay. He has been a board member of the Australian Power Institute and he has previously been Chair of Green Cross Australia (a resilience and sustainability organisation). “Tony’s experience as a senior executive working in business strategy, economic management, operational management and business performance will be of real benefit to

PHOTO: Wastebusters

Tony Pfeiffer brings a wealth of knowledge and experience into his new role.

Wastebusters,” said Battson. Pfeiffer said it was an exciting time to join Wastebusters as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. “We’re seeing a huge global shift in momentum around humanity’s environmental stewardship of the planet. “Wastebusters is a small cog in the wheel, but they are very much at the forefront of this change, and carry significant weight across our region and nationally across New Zealand,” he said.

Underpass close to completion Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz PHOTO: Wānaka Sun

The Wānaka pedestrian and cycling underpass near the Three Parks subdivision and roundabout on SH84 is expected to be open to the public by the end of this month. The underpass project was confirmed last August to complement the construction of the roundabout at the entrance to Three Parks, and was welcomed by parents who had raised concerns over how their children were to get to the new Te Kura O Take Kārara school from Albert Town, crossing a busy state highway. Simon Underwood, Senior Project Manager, Waka

Simon Underwood, Senior Project Manager, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency: “The underpass will be available to use by the end of this month (November), with further sealing of one of the pathways to follow to finish the works.”

Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, said that the project would cost “very close to $1.5 million. This includes the underpass construction, plus approach pathways, drainage, lighting, utility relocation, temporary works, reconstruction of highway pavement over the top and second coat seal of the same to follow.” Waka Kotahi funded the initial $1 million, and Queenstown Lakes District Council is funding the balance (up to $500,000). Albert Town is within the new school zoning

area and it is expected that nearby residents will be major users of the underpass, which will also connect with the existing walking/cycle trails and the new Mt Iron car park (across from Sir Tim Wallis Drive), using existing road reserve and some Willowridge Development land. “The underpass will be available to use by the end of this month (November), with further sealing of one of the pathways to follow to finish the works,” said Underwood.

WĀNAKA BRIDGE CLUB RESULTS Tuesday 17 Nov: North/South: 1st Hans Limacher Claire Williams 58.75% 2nd Wayne Sanderson Pam Miller 55.00% 3rd John Schwarz Leigh Snelling 51.25% East/West: 1st Robert Kaplan Dorothy Fennell 60.83% 2nd Ava Sanders Robyn Gilchrist 55.00% 3rd Willum Richards Debby Richards 50.42% Wednesday – Rippon Rosebowl (handicap): North/South: 1st Josey McKenzie Jeanette Gillies 57.51% 2nd Joan Moon Ross Moon 56.78% 3rd Nicola Brown John Milburn 54.48% East/West: 1st Jacqui Roberts Doug Hall 59.30% 2nd Lynne Fegan Noeline Munro 55.66% 3rd Pam Miller Noelene Raffills 53.27% Friday 20 Nov: North/South: 1st Deidre Lynch Heather Wellman 61.64% 2nd Ena Leckie Laraine Shepherd 56.35% 3rd Robert Kaplan Dorothy Fennell 53.70% East/West: 1st Jacqui Roberts Sherril Harries 61.31% 2nd Sonya Adams Maggie Stratford 58.04% 3rd Fran Holmes Jenny Turnbull 57.44% Monday – Xmas Pairs 3: North/South: 1st Maggie Stratford Allan Kelly 64.74% 2nd Clare Scurr Liz Hawker 56.84% 3rd Laraine Shepherd Lynne Fegan 52.14% East/West: 1st Kathy Hamilton John Hamilton 61.57% 2nd George Foreman Georgie Roberts 57.18% 3rd Jenny Muir Barbara Waterworth 53.47% Final Ladder 1st Maggie Stratford Allan Kelly 59.74% 2nd Michael Chapman – Smith Martin Unwin 54.62% 3rd Lesley Davies Heather Wellman 53.46%

Retire to a luxurious two bedroom apartment for just $599,000* There has never been a better time to retire to Aspiring Lifestyle Retirement Village. We’ve sharpened our pencil and have reduced the price of our two bedroom apartments substantially. Call in for a tour of the village between 11am and 3pm. Or call Ursula on 443 6660.

Be quick! Only one left. Phone: 03 443 6660 14 Golf Course Road, Wanaka www.aspiringvillage.co.nz *Sold under occupation right agreement. Photos are indicative only.

PAGE 8

THURSDAY 26.11.20 - WEDNESDAY 02.12.20

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Sun News

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HIKING COLUMN

Skippers Canyon Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

I put my life in the hands of my boyfriend and his 30-year-old truck last weekend to travel to the Skippers area of the Mount Aurum Recreation Reserve. It’s reachable only by 22km of narrow, unsealed road clinging to the side of Skippers Canyon, which drops vertically to the Shotover River. It may not surprise you, after that brief description, to learn that this is commonly known as New Zealand’s most dangerous road. For the longest hour of all time, we wound our way through Lord of the Rings-worthy vistas (which I only occasionally had to close my eyes to) to cross the famous suspension bridge into the reserve, and the remains of the mining town that once stood there. Skippers Township was the largest gold settlement on the Shotover River during the 1860s gold rush, and the area is still rich in its history - particularly the refurbished schoolhouse, which provides an incredible insight into what life would have been like in this isolated location. There’s plenty of walking options, whether it’s the ten minute walk to the ruins of the pub, perched precariously on the cliff edge (I dread to think what could have happened on the stumble home from happy hour), or the five hour return to the neighbouring mining town

PHOTO: Skippers Canyon

Exhilarated by his newfound adventurer’s spirit, my boyfriend decided to take some terrifying detours on the way back to Arthur’s Point.

of Bullendale. We picked the Crystal Battery Track, tempted by the promise of finding an old quartz stamper battery and the closed off entrance to the mine. It was a fairly easy climb further into the valley, ending at the Crystal Hut - an exceptionally well-kept hut in the untouched forest, and in itself a step back in time. We found our way down to the water, where we discovered not only the remains of the battery, abandoned on the creek bed, but some 19th century crockery, which we put with the rest of the artefacts in the hut. The return journey was mostly downhill, and easy enough - until we returned to the car and, exhilarated by his newfound adventurer’s spirit, my boyfriend decided to take some terrifying detours on the way back to Arthur’s Point.

Hard

PHOTO: Supplied

Wānaka writer Liz Breslin has had the month of a lifetime having been awarded two prizes for her work in short story and poetry writing. Earlier in the month, she won first prize in the Queenstown Writers' Festival Short Story Competition for The Very Bones, a story about “surfing, love and betrayal.” Breslin was also the 2020 winner of the Kathleen Grattan Prize for a sequence of poems at the annual prize-giving ceremony of the International Writers' Workshop. Maxine Alterio, the judge at the Queenstown Festival, said: "The majority of stories entered in this category were of high quality, making the task of selecting a shortlist very difficult. However, after rigorous consideration, I narrowed the entries down to nine and then chose The Very Bones as the winner.” Breslin won the poetry award for a sequence of poems entitled "In Bed with the Feminists." She said she wrote the 20-page sequence during the lockdown. "I was so thrilled to be told I had the award," she said. The competition was judged by 2019 winner Siobhan Harvey who said Breslin's winning entry had "unapologetic voice, clear vision and assured awareness."

Knock on Wood: Trees and neighbours

Trees can stir up a lot of emotion in people. They provide food and shelter for our birdlife, have many environmental benefits including improving our air and soil quality, and also provide pleasure and amenity value to the public. Where some people see a thing of beauty however, others see an eyesore or a nuisance.

COURT With Janice Hughes WHO CHECK WITH YOUR

DON'T

TALK TO YOUR

TREES

www.aspiringlaw.co.nz Please remember: the information in this column is designed as a general guide only and should not replace specific legal advice on a particular issue.

THE WĀNAKA SUN

THURSDAY 26.11.20 - WEDNESDAY 02.12.20

PAGE 9

Sun Farming

thewanakasun.co.nz

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

Recent fires should sear cautionary approach in our minds

WASED1-20201126-0

Chris Lewis, Federated Farmers employment spokesperson.

PHOTO: Feds

Quarantine pressure thwarts critical worker flow Serious gaps in the agricultural contracting workforce have consequences such as animal feed shortages and risks to getting arable crops in next summer, Federated Farmers said. “After favourable rain in many parts of the North Island in the last month, there’s a big emphasis on making grass silage to help cope if predicted droughts take hold,” Federated Farmers employment spokesperson Chris Lewis said. “There’s so much work out there and not nearly enough operators.” Federated Farmers is deeply concerned by a statement from Rural Contractors New Zealand today that a lack of spaces in Managed Isolation Quarantine (MIQ) facilities is thwarting the government-sanctioned flow of a limited number of foreign skilled agricultural machinery operators into the country. “Farmers applauded the government for its decision in September to allow in 210 of these operators, most of them from Ireland and the UK, even though twice that number were need to meet seasonal demand,” Lewis said. “We’re really dismayed to learn only 58 have arrived to be either in MIQ or working, with 16 more with flights booked and holding MIQ vouchers. But another 61 still overseas cannot confirm places in MIQ facilities, and won’t arrive until mid-February – if then.” Last week Federated Farmers reported that some South Island farmers were getting silage/

baleage cut in wet conditions out of desperation and fear that if they didn’t make use of contractors when they were available, there would be no-one available later on. Others were working extremely long hours and pushing the boundaries of safe operation. Feds Dairy Chair Wayne Langford said these sorts of decisions ultimately affect on-farm profitability, some of which is seen immediately and the rest later in the season when poorer quality feed is fed to animals. Arable Chair Colin Hurst said traditionally the silage/baleage contracting workforce moved on to harvesting grain from mid-January. Operator delays or shortages could have a big impact. “Farming is often all about the weather; timeliness is important and you seize your chances when the weather plays ball. Workforce gaps will just have a domino effect all over the place.” Chris Lewis acknowledged the government has all sorts of competing demands to balance, not least finding security and health staff to run MIQ facilities. “With no international tourism, surely there is no shortage of hotel space. “We can only ask that the authorities do their utmost to expand MIQ space and allocate vouchers according to the best interests of our wider economy,” he said. – By Federated Farmers

Rural fuel delivery –– Rural fuel delivery Rural fuel delivery – on time, every time on on time, time, every every time time

PAGE 10

Nobody wants a repeat of the Ohau tragedy a few weeks ago.

Already this spring, too many families, property owners and communities have felt the devastating effects of fire. With La Nina-like conditions forecast across summer, we can expect more dry heat and winds, and with that increased risks of wildfires. No one wants to see a repeat of the damage that occurred earlier this year at Lake Ohau – New Zealand’s most expensive fire to date, and one that without the quick thinking and action of locals to get out could so quickly have cost lives. Some aspects of preventing fires are no brainers. Great care is needed around activities like the lighting of fires, using BBQs, disposing of cigarette butts, or sending off Chinese lanterns into the sky. Many of these are simply no-no’s. Yes, nature is unpredictable, but there are things you can do to reduce your odds of becoming fire’s next victim. That starts with reducing the fire risk and fuel loading around your property. There are lots of great resources you can access at www.checkitsalright.nz, or directly from Fire and Emergency New Zealand. These provide you with clear and straightforward advice, guidance and expectations around the dos and don’ts of fire. Fire and Emergency advise that everything within 60 metres from your house can determine how safe it will be in a wildfire. Removing fire hazards and reducing fuel loading is critical. Recommended actions include clearing gutters, removing stacks of firewood from beside the house, and even things like getting a non-flammable doormat might make that real difference.

THURSDAY 26.11.20 - WEDNESDAY 02.12.20

PHOTO: DOC

There’s a need to get rid of long grass, old vegetation, and twigs from around homes, holiday homes or farm buildings. It’s better to do this now before foliage gets the chance to dry out any further. We saw at Tekapo how easily vegetation could become a prime fuel source. Controlling wilding pines, and getting on top of gorse, broom and rank grass is also crucial in reducing fire risk and fuel loading. It doesn’t matter whether it’s private farmland, the DoC estate, or another public land, dry vegetation can very quickly become a ticking time bomb, just waiting for ignition. Grazing is an effective way of reducing fire fuel loading and ultimately may help minimise the impact of wildfires both to those within the rural area and to those in adjacent townships. It’s an ongoing issue on public land, where grazing is prevented. Mowing lawns or paddocks need greater care in warmer weather, in case a spark from a blade hitting stone turns into a blaze. Mowing first thing in the morning when there is still a bit of dew on the ground is the safest time. Warm or strong winds can very quickly find a simmering ember to reignite a blaze, so it is critical that anyone who has previously undertaken any activities with fire gets out regularly and checks those fires are fully out. Wildfires are intense and unpredictable, and their impacts can be devastating to people, property, and nature. While fire risks may not be able to be totally avoided, you gain back some control by having good plans in place. Not only to reduce your chances of fires starting, but importantly, of having a reliable evacuation and emergency plan in place so that you and your family can get out if a fire does start around you.

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Sun News

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100 per cent employment for Telford students Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Telford is toasting it’s Massey Diploma in Agriculture Class of 2020 with all their graduates going directly into full-time employment in the rural sector after graduation. Telford’s Programme Manager Debbie Rankin is thrilled for all the graduates and said “We are so proud of them all – they’ve done all the hard work themselves and committed to two years training, we just want them to do well, they certainly deserve their success!” Rankin said she thought the successful 100 per cent employment rate was due to all the students completing two years at Telford. “They did the hard yards in the first year and they got out and got known, that first year is a key part of their success”. Telford was a faculty of Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) and runs the Massey Diploma in Agriculture (DipAg) programme, with many students completing a certificate year prior to committing to the diploma in year 2. The 2020 class of DipAg students were all farming systems students from 2019, having already gained a New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Farming Systems) (Level 3), which also incorporates the New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Operational Skills (Level 3). Rankin stressed the importance of the role host farmers play in shaping Telford graduates. “The students gain work experience on up to twelve different farms including our own commercial units, Telford Farms, and in the process, they’re exposed to many different styles of farming. At the same time, they’re also networking and making connections within the farming community and this is crucial to their success”. She said the diploma year was more academic and there’s not the same opportunity to do the networking, so certificate students really benefited in their first year at Telford, establishing connections and building relationships, and in some cases with their future employers. DipAg graduate Anna Jordan was starting her new role as shepherd at Pamu Lynmore – a Landcorp farm in the Te Anau basin, in early December. She just loved her time at Telford and how much knowledge she gained.

PHOTO: Telford

Telford graduate Anna Jordan is looking forward to starting her full-time shepherd’s job soon, at Pamu Lynmore, a Landcorp farm near Te Anau, having completed a Massey Diploma in Agriculture this year.

“I loved being able to do the dog training, and every day we learnt something new - I loved that it was different every day”. She said Telford’s Work Ex Coordinator pointed her in the right direction in finding her job. “At Telford you know everyone, it’s like a community of friends and family – everyone supports everyone” she said. Allan Roxburgh is Telford’s Work Experience Coordinator, as well as a tutor, and he is passionate about his role in placing each individual student into the right farm, to increase their knowledge and experience, but also to assist them in finding employment after they graduate. He says the DipAg students are motivated and usually start actively looking for work from around August, and his guidance was there to help match graduates to farms looking for staff. He liaised closely with host farmers and had his finger on the pulse of what farmers needed

when wanting to employ a graduate. He said whilst it’s not unusual to have most, or all graduates with jobs to go to, he’s noticed increasingly, Telford students were valued and desirable in the workplace because they had such a strong practical component in their programmes, where practical skills were taught from day one. “Farmers from Canterbury will ring us looking for graduates and they prefer to take our students because of the practical element taught here”. A successful placement meant both farmer and student got something out of it said Roxburgh. “It’s got to be rewarding for the farmer too”. “Our graduate profile is pretty strong – I’m confident they can go into employment and achieve more than just hold down a job. “It’s important they (the graduate) stick at their first job for at least 18 months and it’s pretty important we get it right because we don’t want them bailing after three months. We don’t set

Something on your mind? Join us on Wednesday 2 December between 12.00-1.00pm to talk through any local issues, no matter how big or small. Find us at Wānaka Recreation Centre on Sir Tim Wallis Drive.

THE WĀNAKA SUN

them up to fail” he said. And from day one Roxburgh consistently tells students the rule to success – “Attitude is absolutely everything here”. He said they must want to be there, and be prepared to get out and try things. “We also get a lot of students who’re from town, I say to them, just because you’re not off a farm, a lack of skills is no barrier to success, it’s all about the attitude, if you have the right attitude, you’ll be successful”. He used the Farming Systems programme as an example of engaging the students immediately in hands-on learning. In a 36-week course it’s broken up into thirds – students have one third work experience, one third practical workshops and one third in the classroom. The first six weeks of their year is very intense, with a basic introduction and familiarisation to practical skills we feel they will need early in their work experience placements, said Roxburgh. It covers shearing and crutching, stock handling, first aid, health & safety, some fencing skills, agri-vehicles etc. “It gives them a few skills and hopefully some confidence to go forward. More intensive training follows throughout the year” he said. Telford’s tight-knit community provides a high level of support in all areas of student life. Different types of learners and students who may have not been academic at school, can thrive in the Telford environment with programmes providing a strong practical focus. They often find themselves excelling in the wide range of essential skills taught for farming. “We also have two staff who specifically work with students who have learning difficulties, and they do an excellent job” said Roxburgh. He said he gets the most satisfaction from knowing the students have set some goals for their future and they’ve got the piece of paper that will help them get there. “It’s my job to help build their confidence, help them set goals and help them to achieve them. Watching them plot a pathway to get to where they want, is satisfying”. The Massey Diploma in Agriculture will be offered at Telford in 2021 under the Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund (TTAF), which means there are no course costs – students only pay direct material costs, and accommodation if residing on-campus.

hat and a Drop by for a c r Wānaka cuppa with you ard members Community Bo mmunity at a monthly co n! “pop in” sessio

Cuppa Clutha

THURSDAY 26.11.20 - WEDNESDAY 02.12.20

PAGE 11

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OPINION By Jim Boult, QLDC Mayor I recently attended a briefing from Fire and Emergency New Zealand on the disastrous fire which swept through the village of Ohau in October. I hadn’t appreciated until that briefing just how close Ohau came to considerable loss of life. You may be aware that Ohau is a considerable distance from any of the volunteer or permanent fire crews. Like many of our district’s small villages, the Ohau community were therefore reliant on their own planning for disaster. Fortunately, the good folk of Ohau had a well rehearsed fire plan in place which worked perfectly. Neighbours

alerted neighbours and a complete evacuation of the town took place very quickly. Fire crews estimate that the fire storm moved through the town within fifteen minutes of the last residents departing. While the devastation to property was regrettable the fact that no one lost their life was entirely due to a well prepared community. I highly congratulate them for that. This serves as a timely reminder for those residents of our district who live in smaller, isolated communities and lifestyle properties surrounded by wooded areas, of the need to be prepared for an event

such as that which struck Ohau. And, it’s not only fire. Many of our small villages and life style properties can be subject to flood events. This is a timely reminder to be aware of the need for an evacuation plan. Ohau also served as a reminder that in those circumstances, don’t hang around to take your possessions – the reality is, all you need is your wallet, cellphone, suitable clothing and maybe a bottle of water. I know many residents do keep a “go bag” containing a few essential items which they can grab as they leave their homes. A great idea which I recommend.

Finally, Ohau was also a great reminder of the fabulous part that our volunteer firemen and women play in our district. The brigades that turned out in Ohau, put themselves in considerable danger and indeed, had to look after their own lives for a period, such was the speed and veracity of the fire storm. Let’s spare some time to remember these enormously valuable members of our community who turn out, anytime – day or night, no matter what the circumstances, to protect our lives and our property. Thank you to our volunteer firefighters.

NEWS IN BRIEF Ultra-fast broadband inches closer to Makarora Makarora is due to get ultra-fast broadband but it may not arrive for a few weeks yet. While contractors were progressing with the lay-out at about one kilometre a day, things slowed through The Neck between Lake Hawea and Wānaka, some 20km short of Makarora There are no confirmed dates for the “hook-up” for Makarora. The fibre optic cable is being laid by French contractors and will eventually serve Haast and South Westland as well as Makarora. The project is funded by the Government and organised by Chorus. Serious crash near airport A family of ducks were the reason for a serious crash near the airport last Thursday evening. A car, heading towards Cromwell stopped as a mother duck and her offspring crossed the road.

A second car crashed into the rear of the car and then veered into the path of a third car travelling in the opposite direction. St John attended one person with serious injuries and another with moderate injuries. They were then transported to Dunedin Hospital by helicopter. The road was closed for about three hours. QLDC names Upper Clutha Liaison Manager Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has appointed a new Upper Clutha Liaison Manager to support the work of the Wānaka Community Board. Jessica Garrett joins QLDC on Monday 7 December and will be based in the Wānaka office in Ardmore Street. Having been working in Canterbury for the past two years, Jessica brings with her experience in governance, stakeholder engagement, and business management. Garrett has a Bachelor and Master’s Degree in International Studies (Asian Studies), and

has previously worked in local government and higher education. New staff for Kahu Youth Last week Kahu u Youth welcomed two new full-time Youth Workers, Emma Hunter and Hemi Cordell, to the Kahu Team. After an initial whirlwind two weeks of introductions to various community groups and to the attending youth at Kahu, Hunter and Cordell are now planning various programs, clubs and activities and have their organisational sights firmly set on the New Year. Recruitment drive for swim instructors Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has launched a recruitment drive for swim instructors to tackle a shortage of trained staff. QLDC Sport and Recreation Manager Simon Battrick said increased demand for children’s learn-to-swim classes had hit record levels. “We need more instructors to deliver our

full learn-to-swim programmes in Term 1 next year. So we are encouraging people who enjoy swimming and ideally have experience in working with children to apply for instructor roles that would see them shadowing trained staff over our school holiday programme and completing the AUSTSWIM training course,” he said. “We will cover the cost of this internationallyrecognised qualification, which is around $300, and support their ongoing professional development. These are skills that would remain useful throughout their working life.” Battrick said people of any age could apply but the opportunity might appeal especially to high school students who can earn a competitive hourly rate, work in a fun and social environment that fits around other commitments, and gain a skill that could enable them to earn a living anywhere in the world.

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Phone: 03 443 8000, Top of Helwick Street, Wānaka OPEN: MON-SAT 8AM TO 6PM • SUN 10AM TO 6PM PAGE 12

THURSDAY 26.11.20 - WEDNESDAY 02.12.20

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun Views

thewanakasun.co.nz

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Meat trays In your issue 999, you printed an article explaining the restrictions coming in for various plastics. To my mind, there is a contradiction in what the QLDC is saying. Firstly they say type 1 plastics are included but exclude coloured type 1. That seems logical; obviously only clear plastics can be recycled. In Wānaka, our meat trays from the local supermarket are of type 1 clear plastic. Why then is the QLDC saying they are not recyclable? John Berragan

An eyesore and a disgrace Bruce Scott’s letter to the Editor in a previous week’s Sun,“Abandoned boats unsightly”, highlighted an issue which should never have been allowed to happen. I too have been alarmed about the abandoned boats, and unsightly rubbish etc. left lying along the edge of Lake Wānaka, close to the scenic and popular walking track on the way to Edgewater and beyond. Months ago I discussed this issue with a QLDC employee but was told this was not just a Council problem as there was also another organization (group) who was also responsible as well. I would have thought if the QLDC was committed to protecting and promoting the scenic beauty of our area, they would have contacted the “other group”, and this area would no longer have been an eyesore and a disgrace. Loris King

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EDITORIAL

What’s in the weather?

LETTER TO THE EDITOR To submit a letter for possible publication in the Wānaka Sun, please send it via email to editor@thewanakasun.co.nz. Letters can also be sent by private message on our Facebook page.

December weather? business as usual.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Having been a mountaineer for most of my life, I have always retained an obsession with the weather. After all the success of trips into the mountains hinges on the coming weather forecast. I’m now an adventure motorcyclist and with this sport, weather also plays a large part. Riding a motorcycle through the Nevis Valley into a southerly, up at about 2000 metres, can be a freezing, torrid experience, as I discovered recently. So how is December weather looking for Wānaka? I took a troll through the National Institute of Weather and Atmosphere (NIWA) website to try and find out. So here goes. First of all: “Annual precipitation in Otago typically decreases with increasing distance from the western ranges and the east coast.” We all know that “Indeed, Central Otago is the driest region of New Zealand, receiving less than 400 mm of rainfall annually. Dry spells of more than two weeks occur relatively frequently in Central Otago, but less so elsewhere. Temperatures are on average lower than over the rest of the country with frosts and snowfalls occurring relatively frequently each year.” I didn’t know that; I was always under the assumption we were the hottest part of the country. The key factor in the weather for the coming

THE WĀNAKA SUN

PHOTO: Blogspot

month is “La Nina”. El Niño and La Niña are opposite phases of a naturally occurring global climate cycle known as the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). ENSO influences rainfall, temperature, and wind patterns around the world, including New Zealand. El Niño and La Niña episodes occur on average every few years and last up to around a year or two. This year we are in a La Nina cycle apparently. During a La Niña event, ocean water from off the coast of South America to the central tropical Pacific cools to below average temperatures. This cooling occurs because of stronger than normal easterly trade winds, which churn cooler, deeper sea water up to the ocean’s surface. Sea temperatures can warm above average in the far western Pacific when this happens. This change impacts weather patterns around the world, but in a different way than El Niño does. North-easterly winds tend to become more common during La Niña events, bringing moist, rainy conditions to north-eastern areas of the North Island and reduced rainfall to the lower and western South Island. That’s us. Warmer than average air and sea temperatures can occur around New Zealand during La Niña. NIWA says that for December we will experience near normal rainfall. There will be above average temperatures. There will be lots of those horrible nor ’westers. So, after all that, I’d say it’s business as usual.

Letters may be edited or abridged. Letters of no more than 300 words are preferred.

Crimeline S Sean Hurley

Senior Constable, NZPD

As we enter the advent period and are looking forward to the Christmas break, we need to prepare for the holiday season ahead. Much of the local accommodation seems to be booked fully for this period which will be a relief for that sector which has experienced a difficult year from the effects of Covid 19. Police have continued to have a few problems to deal with. Monday saw Police dealing with an extremely intoxicated male driving with excess breath alcohol over five times the legal limit; a member of the public tried to intervene and take the keys from this irresponsible offender. Tuesday saw Police deal with a dispute between housemates that led to an eviction. Another male was apprehended for excess breath alcohol. Wednesday saw Police deal with a sudden death at Makarora; our condolences to the family and friends. Thursday saw Police deal with two major accidents. A crash outside the Wānaka airport saw two victims flown to hospital with serious injuries. The second of these, in Albert Town

THURSDAY 26.11.20 - WEDNESDAY 02.12.20

is suspected to be the result of an intoxicated motorist. Police will be awaiting the results of his blood test. Friday saw Police deal with another intoxicated motorist and we also dealt with a male who assaulted the manager of the Albert Town 4 Square when refused service of alcohol. This was the same problem male who had crashed his car whilst intoxicated the previous evening. Saturday saw a recurrence of the Wānaka Fight Club outside of the Pie window. Let’s have good behaviour, it is an area fully covered by security cameras. Sunday saw Police deal with a search and rescue matter. Please communicate your intentions clearly, we do not wish to waste money on misinformation. Police also dealt with a family harm matter that resulted in the separation of the parties. As we move into summer, traffic and tourist numbers will pick up. Please drive to suit the conditions, try not to get the family into economic difficulties during Christmas, Spend time not money if you can. Keep safe this week, be careful not to drink and drive, and treat each other with the kindness you would like to be shown to you.

PAGE 13

Sun Classifieds

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WĀNAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER ISSUE 1002 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.

PAGE 14

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 7pm every single day. Ph 443 8000. The Salvation Army Family Store is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturdays 9.30am to 4pm and most statutory holidays. We look forward to seeing you in our wonderful store.

WANTED The Salvation Army Family Store 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.

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If not, email your address to admin@thewanakasun.co.nz or phone us on 03 443 5252 THURSDAY 26.11.20 - WEDNESDAY 02.12.20

Market

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Wanaka Rec Centre: Sir Tim Wallace Drive

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Sun Sport / Classifieds

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Wānaka girl bound for Tokyo Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Former Mount Aspiring College student Ellesse Andrews has been selected to represent New Zealand at the Olympics in Tokyo, Japan in 2021. The 15-strong track cycling team, made up of a mixture of six returning competitors and nine Olympic debutants, was presented with their silver ferns at the Cambridge Avantidrome on November 18. The only female selected for the sprints squad, Andrews will compete in the Keirin, an event in which riders follow behind a small moped-type bike called a derny, which sets the pace for the first few laps of the eight-lap race and where she is ranked fifth in the world - and the individual sprints. Andrews started cycling while growing up in Wānaka, under the watchful eye of her father, Olympic cyclist Jon Andrews. “When I was 13 I asked my dad if he’d let me sign up for more dance lessons, and we made a deal that if I did a little more riding with him, he’d give me the money to pay to dance more,” she recalled. Andrews’ family formed a close connection with local ski, bike and outdoor store Racers Edge, for whom Andrews is now a brand ambassador. Store Manager Charlie Cochrane said that, although Andrews and her family had moved to Cambridge for her training, their relationship had remained close and he had continued to follow her journey on the track. “We knew Ellesse was ranking really well, so it

PHOTO: Cycling New Zealand

Andrews started cycling while growing up in Wānaka, under the watchful eye of her father, Olympic cyclist Jon Andrews.

wasn’t of any great surprise when she was selected. We’re all super stoked for her,” said Cochrane. Cycling New Zealand High Performance Director, Martin Barras, said the Olympic team represented a strong mix of experience and exciting young talent. “The sprint group is in a rebuilding phase and this year has allowed us to bring on some young talent to merge with our proven performers,” he said. “While the world is in some turmoil, our Joanna Perry riders have been single-mindedly focussed on newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz making the most of every session for their sights firmly fixed on Tokyo.” The Challenge Wānaka team have created a new The selection takes the total number of New challenge for next February in conjunction with Zealand athletes named to the team for Tokyo to 29. Wānaka Medical, and, unlike their famous annual triathlon, the Wānaka Medical Social Triathlon is an event which everyone can participate in. Based on a Challenge Family event in Almere, Holland, this event aims to encourage people to get active, and promote healthy lifestyle changes across the whole spectrum of the local community. The event on February 14 will consist of a 15-minute pool swim, or 30 minutes of aqua aerobics or pilates, at the Wānaka Recreation Centre, followed by a coffee or tea. The second stage includes a non-competitive social ride from PHOTO: FIS the Recreation Centre to Albert Town and along the outlet track to the Watersports Centre for a The FIS Freeski World Cup Slopestyle Course in Stubai, Austria. change in response to the incoming winter lunch prepared by the Aspiring Rotary Club.

Wānaka’s first social triathlon

Wānaka freeskiers back in action

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Freeski World Cup Circuit kicked off on Thursday with the FIS Freeski Slopestyle World Cup in Stubai, Austria. Wānaka athletes Ben Barclay and Luca Harrington were both in the start gate after a nine-month hiatus from World Cup competition. Finishing up qualifiers ranked in 45th place Barclay explained that it was a “tough start to the season, but only up from here”. Harrington finished in 38th place in what was only his second time competing in a Slopestyle World Cup. The athletes only got one training day (rather than the usual two days) due to a schedule

PHOTO: Lennon Bright Photography

weather in the forecast. “This was certainly a challenge and added a bit of pressure for getting runs dialled in and prepared. Of course, the boys [Ben and Luca] got stuck in and put together some competitive runs” explained Snow Sports NZ coach Kerr McWilliam. Both Barclay and Harrington landed their first runs but with room to improve and clean them up in the second run. The cloud rolled in midway through the second run, resulting in slightly diminished light which added to the challenge. Harrington was unable to clean up his second run, and although Barclay improved his score, it was not enough for either athlete to advance to the finals.

PUBLIC NOTICE

N o t i c e b o a rd | P a p a P ā n u i Amendment to December 2020 Meeting Schedule

Finally, participants will complete a 5km walk along the Waterfall Creek track and back. One of the key figures behind the event is Dr Andrew McLeod, Challenge Wānaka Trustee, local GP and Age Group Triathlete, who said “exercise is a great medicine.” “The new Challenge Wānaka Social event is an opportunity for folk wanting to get fit for an achievable goal. Although the event is based around a triathlon, there is no competition and completing the course will be a lot of fun and provide a sense of accomplishment,” he said. First to sign up for the event was Deputy Mayor and Motatapu veteran Callum MacLeod. “It doesn’t sound like it will be too hard,” he said, adding that the social aspect of a race was far more important to him than who was behind him. “Even if it gets one person in their seventies or eighties to go for a swim once a week in preparation, that’s positive,” he said.

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Meeting Cancellation: The Resource Consent Hearing (Altitude Development Group Ltd RM200335) – previously advertised as taking place on Tuesday 1 December 2020 at 10.00am has been cancelled. Private Bag 50072 | 47 Ardmore Street Wānaka Phone 03 443 0024 | www.qldc.govt.nz

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THURSDAY 26.11.20 - WEDNESDAY 02.12.20

PAGE 15

John Bertrand Collectables Returns to Wanaka

nce again the buyers from John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd are buying in Wanaka next week. Mr Tony Grant from the company says “This is a great time to bring along those unwanted items you’ve sorted out during the lockdown period and turn them into cash”. Particularly wanted by the buyers are Gold and Silver (in any of its forms) and Collectables such as Old Coins and Banknotes, War Medals, Old Wind-up Watches and other interesting Old Collectables. “We are keen buyers, especially of the items in the list below” said Mr Grant. “I’m sure everyone has unearthed something we want in the past few weeks and we would like to see it! Nothing is too small for our consideration. We are just as happy to buy one item as we are buying 1,000 items”. The buyers will be in convenient Mr Anthony (Tony) locations in Wanaka next W. Grant week (see details below). Fellow of the Royal Numismatic As Tony Grant says “if you Society of New Zealand Incorporated are in any doubt about Director and Buyer John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd any items you wish to Author of the John Bertrand sell, take them along for NZ Coin & Banknote Catalogue an instant appraisal”

Gold & Silver At Very High Prices

uring these uncertain times we have seen a massive increase in the price of precious metals. The gold price in New Zealand is at near record levels so gather up all your unwanted items and take them along to the buyers. Tony Grant says “We can buy old gold items in all forms, including Jewellery (Rings, Chains, Brooches etc), Coins (Sovereigns and the like), Alluvial (River Gold), virtually anything, even Gold Teeth! We also need all Sterling Silver including Cups, Tea Services, Cutlery and Old Coins” he said.

Interesting Small Collectables Wanted

he buyers from John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd, are visiting Wanaka next week and are happy to look at any interesting items, for example vintage pocket and wristwatches such as Rolex, Men’s Omega, Breitling and gold watches etc. Also wanted, pre 1920’s picture postcards, Maori and Pacific artefacts, old fountain pens and other small antique or historical items. “If you have something unusual which you would like to sell, please bring it into one of our venues, we would like the chance to at least have a look at it” said Tony Grant, buyer for the Company. “We will consider anything which may be of interest to a collector” he said.

Some Big Dollars in Early Banknotes

arly New Zealand Banknotes dated before 1932 are currently fetching big money! This is according to Mr Tony Grant, author of the John Bertrand New Zealand Coin & Banknote Catalogue. Mr Grant is in Wanaka next week on a buying trip for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd and would be very keen to see any of these issues. “We will pay at least $300 for any undamaged Ten Shilling or One Pound

banknote from a New Zealand trading bank dated 1932 or before. Denominations of five pounds and higher would be worth from $700. “Any banknote dated prior to 1900 would be worth at least $1000” said Mr Grant. Also purchased are any Reserve Bank of New Zealand pre-decimal issues, especially 50 Pound notes. All overseas banknotes are also wanted, especially early Pacific Island issues.

Collectors Need War Medals

urrently, throughout NZ and the world there is a big demand by collectors for war medals. These cover all wars right through from the New Zealand Land Wars and the Boer War, to the First and Second World Wars and the later Korea and Vietnam conflicts. New Zealand Servicemen and Women first served overseas in the Boer War in South Africa around 1900 and the war medals awarded for this service are needed by the buyers, as are any other Medals from early New Zealand and the New Zealand Wars. General service medals from both the First and Second World Wars will also be purchased, but as can be imagined these were awarded in fairly large numbers. “If a group of medals has any special award for bravery such as the Military Medal, Military or Flying Cross or other medals for Distinguished Conduct or Meritorious Service, these can add great value to a group” stated Mr Tony Grant, buyer for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd. “Many families have old medals, some dating back to early Imperial days, that they are not sure what to do with. These are better off in the hands of collectors who will look after them. We will be happy to look at any war medals whatsoever, just bring them in to venues” he said.

Old Coins Can Toss Up a Rarity

n lockdown when you sorted out your drawers and cupboards you may have come across some old coins. You just never know what rarities may be lurking there. The advice of Tony Grant from John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd is to bring them in to the venues and have them appraised. “We want to see any old foreign coin accumulations. We are quite happy to go through your coins on the spot and give you an idea what we can pay. You just never know what can turn up. We are also particularly keen to buy pre 1946 New Zealand Silver Coins for at least 10 times their face value” he said.

JOHN BERTRAND (COLLECTABLES) ARE BUYING NOW!! GOLD & SILVER

OLD GOLD • Unwanted Jewellery or Broken Rings • Gold Chains • Gold Watch Cases • Alluvial (River) Gold • Dental Gold • Gold Coins • Gold Racing & Trophy Cups

COINS • All Gold & Silver Coins • Gold Sovereigns • Gold Half Sovereigns • NZ Silver Coins 1946 & Before (For at least 10 times face value) • Also wanted NZ & World Coins after 1946 • Australian Silver Coins to 1963 • English Silver Coins to 1946 • NZ 1935 “Waitangi Crown” • USA Coins up to 1964 • Old Collections & Accumulations of World Coins • Modern Platinum & Palladium Coins & Sets • NZ Reserve Bank Sets *No Pennies or Halfpennies Please*

TOKENS

• Racing Cups • A&P Show Cup • Sports Cups • Presentation Keys & Trowels • Show Pieces • Sterling Silver Tea Sets • Sterling Silver Cutlery • Scrap Gold & Silver *No EPNS or Silver Plated items Please*

WAR MEDALS ETC

• NZ & Australian “Tradesmen’s” Tokens • NZ Transportation Tokens • Railway Passes • Tram Tokens (not Dunedin Tramways) • Presbyterian Church Communion Tokens • Bread Tokens • Theatre, Cafe, Discount Tokens etc • Any other tokens relating to early New Zealand

COLLECTABLES

WRIST & POCKET WATCHES

• Albums & Accumulations of Pre 1920s Postcards (used or unused) • Old Fountain Pens • Maori & Pacific Artefacts • Stamps & Postal History • Vintage Film Cameras

• Any Rolex Watches • Omega Gents Watches • Gold & Silver Pocket Watches • Any Breitling, Jaegar Le Coultre, Vacheron & Constantin, Patek Philippe, or IWC Watches • Moon Phase Watches • Chiming or Alarm Watches (Pocket or Wrist) • Military Watches • Divers Watches • All other pre 1950s wind up watches (parts value only) *No Quartz or Battery Operated Watches Please*

• The New Zealand Wars & Boer War Medals • 1st World War Medals • 2nd World War Medals, Stars etc • Orders and Decorations • Korea & Vietnam Medals • Antarctic or other Polar Medals • Fire Brigade Medals • Lodge Medals • Shooting Medals • Military Badges and all other Military Medals • Gold returning Fob Medals or “Tokens of Honour” from residents of small town New Zealand

HISTORICAL MEDALS • A&P Show- Gold, Silver & Bronze Medals • Commemorative Medals & Medalets • Prize Medals (Gold & Silver) • Sports Medals (Gold & Silver) • Life Saving Medals • Shipwreck Medals • Coronation Medals • etc, etc, etc

BANKNOTES • NZ & Australian “Trading Bank” Notes pre 1932 (e.g. Bank of New South Wales, Bank of NZ etc) • Reserve Bank of NZ Pre-Decimal Notes • Any £20, £50 or £100 Notes • Hong Kong & Malayan Banknotes • Australian Pre Decimal Notes • Australian “Star” Notes • Early Fijian and Samoan Banknotes • NZ Traders Promissary Notes (1840s) • NZ Government Debentures • NZ Banknotes overprinted for use in Fiji, Cook Islands etc • Postal Notes • All other World Banknotes

WE WANT TO BUY – CASH-IN NOW

No item too small for our consideration

JOHN BERTRAND (COLLECTABLES) LTD

OUR BUYERS ARE IN WANAKA NEXT WEEK WANAKA

Mon 30 Nov

St John Ambulance Training Room, 4 Link Way

1 pm to 4 pm

ALSO AT CROMWELL

Tues 1 Dec

Presbyterian Church, Bannockburn Room, 10 Elspeth Street

NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY

Please note: Suitable ID is required if you wish to sell any items.

John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd T: 04 232 9832 • E: info@bertrand.co.nz PO Box 323, Wellington 6140 PAGE 16

8.30 am to 11 am

Members of the Australasian Numismatic Dealers Association and the New Zealand Numismatic Dealers Association

THURSDAY 26.11.20 - WEDNESDAY 02.12.20

THE WĀNAKA SUN