Wānaka bar and Police clash
INSIDE THIS WEEK Views: Page 13 Jobs: Page 15 Sport: Page 16
Lalaland land faces closure.
PAGE 3
'T'is the season to be jolly
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DELIVERED AND FREE
EDITION 951
Lakefront disa-pier-ed
PHOTO: Wānaka Sun
Where did it go?
Emma Conyngham
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
ust when you think it couldn’t possibly still be raining, the heavens continue to open in a sodden deluge – except at Cardrona where the deluge was frozen and has covered the mountain with 20cm of white powder. By Wednesday midday, Dinosaur Park looked ready to go underwater which would aptly turn it into Loch Ness Park. Bullock Creek looks bucolic and is threatening to overflow onto the eastern side of the park, while the lake creeps up on the north. The newly laid bark surface at the park is about to go swimming, creating significant debris. Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) said, “At the moment our focus is on any immediate potential threats from flooding. However, we are
J
already considering what clean-up activities may be required if Ardmore Street does flood. We are aware of the situation regarding Dinosaur Park, but are unable to be specific in terms of clean-up times etc for it just yet.” At the marina, the Wānaka Yacht Club has a flooded basement and the track from the marina to Eely Point is completely flooded over in places. Although rainfall was lower than expected on Tuesday night, the latest assessments from Otago Regional Council (ORC) indicate that there is still the potential for low-level flooding in Wānaka CBD, Queenstown CBD, Glenorchy and Kingston; however, this is now anticipated later in the week. Virtually all the storefronts on Ardmore are now sandbagged with most businesses closed. It is expected they will stay closed until the flood
threat is reduced which could be a week away. Steve Schikker, owner of Racer’s Edge, remembers the 1999 flood when water was thigh deep on Ardmore Street. “We don’t think it will be a repeat of 1999 but we have a flood management plan – mitigating stock loss and getting stock off the ground,” he said. “In 1999 we lost one stand of sunglasses because we did everything we can so the insurers were pretty happy with us. After a coat of paint we could reopen and I think we were one of the first businesses to reopen – others took up to three weeks to open their doors. Our stock loss was minimal because we moved it early and quickly.” The stormwater system throughout the district has been overwhelmed and surface flooding has swamped many roads. At 4pm yesterday, ORC issued another update
stating, “Lake Wānaka is currently at 279.73m. Updated modelling by ORC’s flood management team shows that the lowest-lying parts of Ardmore Street are likely to see some flooding from the lake this week. This level is above the January 2013 peak (279.4m), but well short of the November 1999 peak (281.3m). However, lake levels and river flows will continue to be high for some weeks, meaning there is a continued risk of further flooding.” MetService has indicated that further periods of heavy rain are expected for the rest of the week. MetService forecasts that rainfall amounts will exceed warning criteria with confidence on Friday and moderate confidence on Saturday. ORC also confirmed that the heavy snowfall will not impact heavily on lake levels as the melt level is “incomparable” to the rainfall. More images on page 5.
Grass has been digitally enhanced
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At a glance ORC flood alerts High High Lake Level High Level Flood Possible flooding in Wanaka Flood Historical flood November 1999 Flood Historical flood May 2010 Flood Lake level at time of print 5pm Wednesday, December 5.
The new Wānaka Watersports Facility opened last week – precariously close to the water line.
279.4 280.0 281.3 279.4 279.815
Historical floods The waters of Lake Wānaka have entered the town five times since the founding of the town. (listed in order of severity) 1878 – 281.8m 1999 – 281.32m 1984 – 280.36m 1995 – 280.33m 1919 – 280.3m
PHOTO: Supplied
Wānaka Watersports Facility a whisker from waves Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
The recently opened Wānaka Watersports Facility (WWSF) is in possible danger of flooding as the water continues to rise. In 1999 the water level reached a record high level of 281.3m which is why the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has a minimum floor level of 281.9 – a hope to avoid any flood risk mitigation being required. Alistair Madill from WWSF said the carpeted area of the new facility has a floor level of 282.1, so has no flood mitigation plan. “The shed area has a floor level of 281.6m (below the QLDC level). That is why the flooring is FRP (with holes) to allow water in then out.
The framing is treated for water exposure, as is the cladding. There is no internal lining. The steel structure is all hot dip galvanised. Generally any objects within the shed are made for water exposure (eg boat hulls) or, if not, would need to be raised above flood level,” said Madill. Whilst the rain will likely hit the 280m mark in the next 48 hours, that is still 1.3m short of the great 1999 flood. However, with the facility floor level at 282.1, the beautiful new rooms are within a whisker of the biggest flood of all in 1878 of 281.8m. However with more rain to come, the Trust is still keeping a watchful eye on the lake level. Another watersports facility, the Wānaka Yacht Club was flooded in the basement by midday on Wednesday.
Steel posts outside Kai Whakapai mark the historic lake levels.
PHOTO: The Film Crew Ltd
Aubrey Road tired of ongoing flooding Caroline Moratti
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
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Criticisms are growing around Mt Ida Road and Aubrey Road in relation to excessive flooding of both areas every time rain falls. This issue has seemingly been going on for the past three years, since the building of Northlake, and no action has been taken by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) to resolve this. QLDC has confirmed that the fault is not due to a blockage of a foreign object but rather as a result of flawed design work. The infrastructure installed along Aubrey Rd is designed to soak the stormwater flows into the ground, but according to QLDC: “What we are finding is that the theoretical soakage rates, or those that were achieved at the time the soakage rates were assessed as part of the design work, are not being achieved in reality. As a result the systems installed do not have the required capacity to soak away the stormwater at an acceptable rate.” Although the council has been dragging their feet in regards to resolving the matter, residents can look forward to some improvements in the coming year or two as stormwater infrastructure
THURSDAY 05.12.19 - WEDNESDAY 11.12.19
PHOTO: Wānaka Sun
Mt Ida road frequently faces excessive water caused by a design flaw.
upgrades in Wānaka have received budget allocation. “The specific projects that will be undertaken as part of this programme of work is currently being finalised, but the issues along Aubrey Rd are front of mind.” The council is currently in the process of completing the development of the stormwater model for Wānaka, which they regard as a significant milestone in allowing planning for the future stormwater infrastructure investment.
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Wānaka bar and Police clash Caroline Moratti
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
CODC’s decision Plan Change 13 is left unknown due to outstanding debts.
PHOTO: Supplied
Council withholds decision until Winton pays Caroline Moratti
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Central Otago District Council is withholding their decision on Plan Change 13 until they receive the outstanding $260,000 owed from the consent applicant, River Terrace Developments Limited, which is owned by the developing group Winton. Plan Change 13 is a request to change zoning in order to accommodate a 900 residential lot in Cromwell which was debated before independent commissioners in June and July. Louise van der Voort, executive manager of planning and environment, said this hearing “resulted in significant costs for processing the plan change which are to be paid by the applicant.” According to van der Voort, some costs date back several months. “It is disappointing the applicant has not yet settled the outstanding costs,” said Central
Otago District Council chief executive Sanchia Jacobs. “Council is now considering traditional debt recovery mechanisms so the decision can be released. The money owing is ratepayers’ money.” Chris Meehan, Winton CEO, responded to these claims saying: “Given the unprecedented quantum of the amount invoiced by CODC, we are awaiting a full breakdown of how CODC incurred these PC13 costs. Winton has paid $180,000 of CODC’s costs to date, and the balance owing of $260,000 has been paid into a Belly Gully Solicitors Trust account in good faith – demonstrating Winton’s intention to pay costs once evidence is received that they are accurate and reasonable.” Winton, the developer behind Wānaka’s Northlake, has recently come under criticism for its no-objection clauses, so much so that Wānaka Community Supporting Our Northlake Neighbours Inc (WCSONNI) filed papers in the High Court against the company.
Police are attempting to temporarily suspend the license of local Wānaka bar Lalaland after repeated instances of intoxication and fighting amongst patrons. The matter was heard before the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA) in Queenstown on Friday where both parties argued their case. Daniel Taiaroa has owned Lalaland for 18 months, and previously had the license of his Queenstown bar, Bungalow (formally Skybar), suspended for 72 hours back in 2014 for similar issues. However, he said, “both instances we took over venues that had a particularly loose reputation, but I think in both cases we have made positive steps to turn them around.” Lalaland is being investigated surrounding four incidents of intoxication in the past two years. Taiaroa said, “I understand that the Police don't want to be called into bars to deal with violence and intoxication, who would? But I think that the incidents that were presented in our hearing were handled professionally by our staff.” All Lalaland staff have attended drink safe workshops put on by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and the Licence Controller Qualification course which involves around dealing with intoxication. Despite speaking out with criticisms of local police enforcement to other media publications, Taiaroa says that: “We had a positive chat with Wānaka Police after the hearing last Friday and it is encouraging that
Intoxication at Lalaland called into question.
PHOTO: Supplied
they are keen to collaborate with us moving forward.” According to Queenstown Lakes Area Commander Inspector Olaf Jensen, “Police work with all bars in Otago Lakes to ensure the safety of patrons and staff.” Both Taiaroa and Police await ARLA’s decision.
Boaters face summer restrictions
Powered crafts banned from Clutha between Wānaka and Albert Town.
Caroline Moratti
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Summer is usually considered a time to get the boat out, but residents will need to start paying special attention to where exactly they’ll be allowed to indulge in the pastime. As of December 1, powered crafts on the Clutha River, between the Wānaka Outlet and the Albert Town Bridge, will be prohibited as an effort to maintain water safety. Powered crafts qualifies as anything with a motor, such as boats and jet skis. Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) harbourmaster Marty Black says the particular spot is popular in summer and “with so many people in the water it would
THE WĀNAKA SUN
PHOTO: Wānaka Sun
be dangerous for powered river craft to be using the same space at the same time. This prohibition makes the situation safer for everyone.” Boats that are authorised by resource consent, such as commercial operations, are still allowed to operate in the area. The section of river downstream from Albert Town bridge has a full uplifting, removing the usual five-knot speed restriction, however boat users are warned to be considerate of others in the water. To insure compliance, Black and his team will be regularly patrolling the area, as well as installation of a camera to the boat ramp at the Albert Town Bridge. The same restriction was also implemented last summer after formal consultation in 2017 that saw the bylaw passed. This restriction will be in place until April 30, 2020. THURSDAY 05.12.19 - WEDNESDAY 11.12.19
PAGE 3
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School pupils turn up their sleeves Dedicated principal for the community skydives for students Abby Costen
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Year 3-4 students celebrate their pile of weeds at Bullock Creek.
Abby Costen
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Over the course of last week, year 3 to 8 students from Holy Family Catholic School in Wānaka endeavoured to help the local community by carrying out a range of ‘Student Volunteer Army’ projects. The projects were said to be inspired by a recent ONE Summit conference in Wānaka, which covered the 17 goals of the United Nations and aided them in identifying the key areas of need in the community. “They took to the streets to volunteer their time to make Wānaka a better place. Students were involved in many activities including weeding, at Bullock Creek, Stoney Creek and the Hāwea Wave, visiting the elderly at Enliven and Elmslie
PHOTOS: supplied
The Coconut Bird Feeder Team were hanging bird feeders they made in the trees at the lakefront using their own design.
house, helping at local preschools – Pinnacles, Little Wonders and Montessori – picking up rubbish at the lake, helping with local pest control, and in-house support for community members which involved cleaning, lawn mowing, wood stacking and sweeping,” said Holy Family Catholic School teacher Janis Sandri. “Through these activities, students were learning a range of lifelong skills, including being organised, managing self, collaboration, communication, problemsolving and respect for others.” “We learnt how to work better in groups when we made our bird feeders out of coconut shells. We hung at the lakefront and hope the birds use them,” said Lyla Craig (10). For Genevieve Wallis (9), initiative saved
the day. “We tried to contact Cat Rescue and wanted to help them but we found out they had no base, so we made a Christmas tree that people could donate cat food for. It was hard at the start to get organised, but it felt good when we got it all together.” Darlene Thomson, activities coordinator at Aspiring Enliven Centre said, “I just wanted to say how great both groups of children were today. The juniors made many people happy and did lots of games etc. The seniors (under the wonderful guidance of Lily) were so independent and fabulous. Many of the residents prefer to spend their time in their rooms but once the kids arrive even they come out – especially where singing is involved. You should be very proud of them.”
Last Monday Hāwea Flat School principal Sue Heath did a sponsored skydive in the hopes of raising over $10,000 for a school hall extension. Design work for the building has been completed but further funding is now required to get the construction under-way. “This was a real challenge for me – I enjoy a ride on a rollercoaster but it was never on my bucket list to jump out of a plane at 12,000 feet. Children in R3 had written me letters with lots of helpful tips [...] Things like, 'remember to breathe because it helps you stay calm' and 'there is a back-up parachute if the first one doesn't open' and 'have a healthy breakfast but don't eat too much just in case...'. Heath continued, “Our current hall, Grandview, is way too small now having been built when there were only four classrooms and 84 students at the school. Now there are ten classrooms and 245 children so we just don't fit into the space anymore especially when we want to share things with parents.” “I kept telling myself that it's good to step out of your comfort zone.
PHOTO: supplied
Hāwea Flat School principal Sue Heath’s first skydive to raise funds for a school hall extension.
We often ask our children to do this with their learning and when they're giving something a go for the first time, so it seemed like a good idea at the time for me to do the same.” said Heath “By last Friday the Givealittle page was up over $8,000 so it looked like I'd definitely be doing the skydive [...] While it was never on my bucket list to skydive, it has given me a real buzz. [...] It's such a great team out at Wānaka Skydive—a big thank you for your support and the opportunity to raise money for our new hall.” Find out more and donate at givealittle.co.nz/cause/the-sueheath-i-believe-i-can-fly-fund.
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Rising lake levels has Wānaka on standby Sun News
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PHOTO: The Film Crew Ltd
Debris along the lakefront will require a considerable clean up. Boaties should beware of hidden logs.
PHOTO: Nigel Smith
One of the tributaries to Lake Wānaka, Motutapu Gorge is a raging torrent.
PHOTO: The Wānaka Sun
South beach on the lakefront was underwater by Wednesday midday.
Swimming to your boat is now the only option at Roys Bay.
PHOTO: The Film Crew Ltd
PHOTO: Anna Junghenn
Nikki Junghenn plays near the water of Bullock Creek on Tuesday morning. By Wednesday morning water at that same spot was up to her knees.
One local takes advantage of the situation on the lakeshore on Tuesday.
PHOTO: @beljones_ Instagram Bel jones photography on Facebook
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PHOTO: The Wānaka Sun
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ADVERTORIAL
CurtainStudio steals the spotlight Emma Conyngham
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
There is a new show in town and it’s stealing the spotlight for designer houses. CurtainStudio, a brand owned by The Interiors Group, set up shop at Carpet Court last week on Cliff Wilson Drive and it’s promising to be a sellout show. Carpet Court previously offered carpets, vinyl, timber flooring, laminates and tiles but the weary homeowner would then have to load all their samples in the car and trawl curtain outlets for the perfect match. However, Anna Williams, owner of Carpet Court Wanaka, wanted a one-stop shop. “A lot of the work we do is new builds so when people come in here they need carpet, tiles, flooring – everything – and now we can offer the whole range,” she said. “CurtainStudio quotes and invoicing will be done separately from Carpet Court but from a design perspective it’s streamlined.” CurtainStudio will be managed by designer Jennifer Elliot. “I was a freelance design consultant in Central Otago and the Lakes District for the last year. And then Anna brought the franchise here, so I’ve transferred from being a freelancer to working under Anna,” said Elliot. “Curtains are different to carpet where you just pick a colour and texture and get it measured and installed. Curtains are spatial and you need to consider design, colour, texture, light, and architecture...to ensure
50
the functionality is fit for purpose. There are a lot of design aspects that go into curtains – they can make a dramatic difference to a room,” she said. CurtainStudio is offering on-site consultations, “although we prefer people to come in as there’s a bigger selection than what fits in my car. But the facility is there if they want it.” CurtainStudio is offering the full design aspect around window treatments, not just fabric. “We do specialty tracks for oddspaces where architects design something cool but don’t give a thought to how curtains or blinds will work in that space. For people with ‘nightmare windows’ we do curtains, blinds, shutters, venetians, Luxaflex, slats, soft blinds, hard blinds… the full range that covers that scope. I work as a problem solver for all those difficult windows. I work on site and the design service comes free of charge,” said Elliot. CurtainStudio is offering products for all budgets, starting at the readymade Essential, and Urban brands for rental properties, through to custom-made with full design services for those investing in their ‘forever home’. And best of all, if the walls are painted and the flooring is going down and you’re in a panic because the whole of Wānaka can see into your house and you can’t get any sleep, then Curtain Studio’s 12-day production promise is hugely appealing. For more information, call 03 443 8610.
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Anna Williams (left), and Jennifer Elliot (right) at the new CurtainStudio at Carpet Court.
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PHOTO: Wānaka Sun
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PAGE 6
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CAMERA CLUB ‘IN FOCUS’
Creating magic with a smartphone NIWA will be using advanced multibeam echo sonar equipment to map the lake.
PHOTO: supplied
Seismic survey to map the bed of Lake Wānaka Abby Costen
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Further work is being undertaken to understand active faults near Wānaka following a review completed in March this year. A recent review of active faults in the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts by GNS Science, commissioned by the Otago Regional Council (ORC), identified a likely active fault under Wānaka, which may be part of the North West Cardrona Fault. This fault was previously thought to have run northeast from Cardrona Valley, through Albert Town to Hāwea. GNS scientists now propose that the fault runs northwest past the foot of Mount Alpha, beneath part of Wānaka township, and out under the lake. ORC natural hazards analyst Ben Mackey said further work was needed to substantiate the findings and understand any implications for Wānaka. “Since receiving the GNS report, the ORC has commissioned the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) to carry out a geophysical survey of sediments beneath Lake Wānaka. This work will look for evidence that the fault continues out into Roys Bay,” said
Mackey. “The survey is taking place over two days beginning 2 December on Lake Wānaka, where they will focus their efforts from Roys Bay to Beacon Point.” NIWA will be using advanced multibeam echo sonar equipment to map the lake, a process where systems emit sound waves in a fan shape beneath the boat's hull, gaining information from the returning soundwaves. The goal of the survey is to improve ORC’s understanding of the active faults in the area and narrow down what hazard they may pose for Wānaka and the surrounding area. “The lake sediments record past natural hazards, and in Lake Wānaka we are searching for disruption of sediment layers caused by surface or near-surface rupture of faults during earthquakes.” said NIWA marine geologist Dr Joshu Mountjoy. “In Wānaka we are looking for the lakeward continuation of a newly-mapped fault and we are hopeful that we will get a much better picture of what is happening.” To read the full ‘Active Faults – Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes’ report, visit orc.govt. nz/otagofaultsreport [PDF]. For more information on how to prepare for an emergency, visit the Emergency Management Otago website: otagocdem.govt.nz.
Alpine Fault earthquake: ground shaking and impacts Abby Costen
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Brendon Bradley – a professor at the College of Engineering, University of Canterbury, director of QuakeCoRe, and one of New Zealand’s leading earthquake researchers – is coming Professor to Wānaka Presbyterian Brendon Bradley Community Hall at 6pm on December 10 to give a free talk about what an Alpine Fault earthquake could feel like and how research in earthquake resilience is aiding preparations. Bradley’s award-winning research is being used to set new international building design codes, and several major rebuilding projects in Christchurch are being influenced by his findings. The hour-long event forms part of the Marsden Fund 25 Series, which celebrates 25 years of a fund that has driven “world-class research” in New Zealand. "We can't predict when an earthquake will hit but we can predict how strong the ground shaking will be at certain geographic locations," said Bradley. "Our idea is basically to get to a point
THE WĀNAKA SUN
PHOTO: Jill Gardiner
Poplar Line on Lake Wānaka
MOORE B BOB Wānaka Camera Club Unless we are one of those admirable people who carry their favourite camera with them at all times, the chances are we miss great photographic opportunities. However these days most of us keep a smart phone with us at all times so these opportunities need not be missed. Smartphones are nowhere near as powerful as a DSLR as the sensor and megapixel count are significantly smaller and the versatility of smartphone may be more limited. However smartphones are becoming increasingly more advanced, with each new generation offering greater megapixels and sophistication including a move away from focus-free system to one which will allow focusing by the photographer; scene modes (e.g. landscape, night portrait, sports and macro); HDR (allowing us to capture more detail in shadows and highlights) and effects (including monochrome, tinted and vintage filters.) Today’s smartphones have narrowed the gap with conventional cameras and now awesome shots are within reach wherever we go. By practising our photographic skills by concentrating on the fundamental elements of photography (composition, light, colours, texture, line and shape) we can do amazing
things with our smartphones. A great example of this is Jill Gardiner’s image ‘Poplar line on Lake Wānaka.’ Jill took her picture using a Samsung7SMG935 smartphone choosing auto setting over other modes. This setting gave an aperture of f1.7 shutter speed of 1/2000th sec and an ISO of 40. Jill also has a top-end Fuji-filmX-T20 mirrorless camera, but loves the versatility of her smartphone which is always with her. She is impressed by the quality of the images achieved and has printed, mounted, sold, and entered in photographic competitions. Jill loves to concentrate on composition, light, lines and shapes and the foreground shadows of the poplars, their symmetry, the lake and the background mountains she found really appealing. Autumn is her favourite time for landscape photography because of the beautiful richness of the colours. Jill image received an ‘Honours’ award from the judge of the Club’s competition. Wānaka Camera Club is dedicated to help improve the skills of anyone interested in photography. We welcome anyone to join us, irrespective of photographic ability. If you know nothing about photography come along and see what we can do for you. Because of Christmas our next meeting is Monday February 10, 7.30pm at The St John’s Rooms, Link Way.
Heading Overseas to Escape the Rain?
Wanaka Travel Doctor Clinic PHOTOS: supplied
One of New Zealand’s leading earthquake researchers – is coming to Wānaka to give a free talk about what an Alpine Fault earthquake could feel like.
where we provide the same sort of information as a weather forecaster would tell you. Just as when you have a severe weather warning, we would provide you the same information about severe ground shaking and the consequence to buildings."
Come and see the team at Wanaka Medical for travel advice and vaccinations so you can enjoy every moment of your holiday. Call us today to make an appointment and travel well.
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PAGE 7
Sun News
T’is the season for Santa, sunshine and fun thewanakasun.co.nz
Emma Conyngham
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
With all this rain, it’s hard to imagine the stunning warm night last Friday, with crowds turning out for a night of entertainment before turning on the lights of the Wānaka Christmas tree. With choral performances from Holy family and the Treble Tones, kapa haka, plus energetic Jump Jam from Hāwea Flat’s Hāwea Honeys, and dancing from Dance Wānaka, there was something for everyone.
Sara and Georgia Thompson (3)
PHOTOS: Wānaka Sun
Members of Hāwea Honey’s; from left, Rihanna Brett (10), Itzia Sinclair (10), Vesper Sinclair (8), Lenni Miller (11) and Issy Joyce (9).
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A large crowd turned out for Friday night’s festivities.
Hands up for Santa’s lolly scramble.
Liam, Sam, Ngaire and Owen Thomas enjoying a family night out.
McKay Heath (10) and Cooper Norman (10).
The Treble Tones, who performed on the night. From left to right; Sarah Kivi (holding Henry), Kate Stanley, Barbara Taylor, Yvonne Perkins, Sally Hughes-Allan, Louise Hargreaves, Nicola Woods, Lindsey Schofield, Karen Patrick and Abby Peterson.
Mae Dineen (10), Lyla Craig (10), Cameron Shore (10) and Icy Craig (9).
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From left; Meryn Cusworth (9), and Megan Drake (9). THURSDAY 05.12.19 - WEDNESDAY 11.12.19
PAGE 9
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Concerns over bowel screening processes Caroline Moratti
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: Wānaka Sun
Back from left; Marj Cosgrove, Duke MacLachlan, Joel Murray, Hamish McCuloch, Ella Smalley. Front from left: Janey Mavor, Eddie Casey, Betsy Rowden from Wānaka Primary, raising money for Paul Cosgrove.
Cosie’s team day Emma Conyngham
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Paul Cosgrove (64), known as ‘Cosie’, was recently diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer. After an inept mishandled blunder by Southern District Health Board, the grandfather of three now has metastasized cancer through his lungs and liver. But it needn’t have been this way. “Cosie was diagnosed with terminal cancer in July,’ said Cosie’s wife, Marj. “He was declined a colonoscopy last year by SDHB even though his doctor had ‘high risk of cancer’ on his notes. But he was declined. So he waited for the bowel cancer screening programme to come in the mail but by the time it arrived it was in his lungs and liver.” Marj said her husband presented to the GP with typical symptoms of bowel cancer last year – but was told he had nothing to worry about. This in itself is alarming as Marj points out; “Men never go to the doctor, let alone about their bums. So if a 64-year-old man asks for help in that department, he deserves to be taken seriously.” But he wasn’t. And even when the GP eventually referred him for a colonoscopy, he was declined for reasons Marj and Cosie still don’t understand. “How can someone with ‘High
risk of cancer’ written on the top of their notes, highlighted in yellow, be declined?” Cosie has had six chemo treatments and is currently at the end of his first round. “He started in the private system but the drug he needed was funded by the public so he swapped to the public system and we go to Dunstan every three weeks,” said Marj. Cosie’s friends from Southland and Wānaka organised a Big Day Out and a givealittle page over the weekend which raised $100k “which was phenomenal.” The next round of drugs will be in the private system but Marj doesn’t know what the cost of that drug is yet – and it will be ongoing. So to help Cosie out all the students at Wānaka Primary where Marj teaches, dressed in sports colours in support of sports-mad Cosie. “We are so lucky. This community we came to 12 years ago has just been so wonderful. Cosie is such a people person and he’s such a sports fanatic. He’s played rugby for Southland… he’s passionate about all sports. So this theme today and the whole school getting behind is just great.” Wānaka Primary’s ‘Cosie’s team day’ raised $1710 for Cosie’s treatment. To donate, go to givealittle.co.nz/cause/support-paul-cosiecosgroves-fight-against-cancer.
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Questions over access and accuracy of bowel screening are left being asked after the stage four bowel cancer diagnosis of Paul Cosgrove, a 64-year old Wānaka man that was denied a colonoscopy despite persistent bowel pain and a noted high risk of cancer. Bowel screening kits are sent to homes for people between the ages of 60-74 to detect traces of blood in faeces; if the level is high enough then the patient is referred to a colonoscopy to examine the colon for cancer. For every year in the past four years, 85 percent of symptomatic referrals for colonoscopy have been accepted at Southern DHB, however this leaves 25 percent of referrals still in question. Dr Jason Hill, gastroenterology consultant, says that in 15 percent of cases an alternative intervention is deemed more appropriate by specialists, such as outpatient specialist assessment and radiological evaluation, whilst the remaining minority there is insufficient information from the referrer. In the case of Paul Cosgrove, Hill said, “In the event that a referral is not immediately accepted, the affected individual and the referrer would be advised to understand the reasons for this and develop a ‘safety net’ strategy so that any misunderstandings, or changes in clinical situation, can be identified and communicated as early as possible.” Referral rates aside, even screening processes for bowel cancer have come under criticism by University of Otago academics by for being too simplistic in their negative/positive approach to testing. The cut off for a positive screening result is 200ng of haemoglobin, yet a Waitemata pilot study found 17 percent of all bowel cancer sufferers had a reading of 75ng or below. Hill explains that district health boards have no mandate to change parameters and processes,
Dr Jason Hill talks referrals and results.
PHOTO: Supplied
but notes that the qualifying positive result was chosen to “maximise screening opportunities for New Zealanders, without impacting significantly on current service delivery, as well as reducing the number of invasive investigations (and complications) in individuals who have been shown to be at a much lower risk of having bowel cancer.” The number of cancer-related compensation payouts, due to misdiagnosis or slow diagnoses, has increased from five in 2012/13 to 113 in 2017/18, however, since the inception of the Southern DHB’s Bowel Screening more than a 100 cases of cancer have been detected, so positives remain to be seen. Wānaka residents shouldn’t worry too much, as Hill says that “The current wait time for colonoscopy in the Programme (for those testing positive) is no different for Wānaka residents compared to any other area in the Southern district.”
Rural communities need rural solutions Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
The RuralFest 2019 was a two-day event hosted by the Rural Health Alliance Aotearoa NZ (RHAANZ), during which representatives of its member organisations met to decide on the key issues impacting the health and wellbeing of the 600,000 people living outside of New Zealand’s major cities. The report that came as a result from this occurrence highlighted key issues that are not new: inequity of access for rural people to timely health care and treatment; and consequential poor health outcomes and the worsening and now critical rural health workforce crisis. “This report reinforces the serious lack of maternity services for mothers in rural Central Otago and Wānaka, and comes hot on the heels of a damning Ernst and Young report, [last] month, which slammed the Southern District Health Board’s performance around maternity care in this region,” commented Jaqui Dean, MP for Waitaki. Urban-centric contracts for communitybased services, especially midwifery, do not reflect the realities of working in rural areas, and financially disadvantage those who choose to do so. “Unfortunately it’s going to take more than reports to fix the deep-seated maternity issues affecting this region and I’m concerned that there just doesn’t seem to be the will to really make any significant change for the better,” concluded Dean. In RHAANZ there was a total consensus: the rural health workforce is at crisis point. Many rural health professionals are burnt out, tired of sacrificing personal and family time to respond to accidents, emergencies and after hours cases without being paid. Practitioners are frustrated at subsidising the
THURSDAY 05.12.19 - WEDNESDAY 11.12.19
PHOTO: Supplied
Wānaka Medical Centre, stretched to capacity.
cost of travelling to see patients who live beyond the town boundary; or losing sleep at night worrying about finding enough staff to meet the health needs of their communities and not knowing who is going to replace them when they retire. With its report RHAANZ wants to call Government to action. The proposals included: work with RHAANZ and key rural health stakeholders to develop a Rural Health Workforce Plan; and all service contracts are viewed through the lens of the Rural Proofing Policy to level the playing field across urban and rural service providers. The other four critical issues RHAANZ acknowledged to contribute to the Rural Health Crisis were: establish a Rural Health Commissioner; recognise the role of rural hospitals in the health and wellbeing of vibrant rural communities; ensure safe and reliable maternity services for all rural women; equitable distribution of Government’s investment in mental health and wellbeing; and finally, equitable investment in the use of technology to enhance access to health services. Along with identifying the crisis points, in the report RHAANZ also submitted solutions that could be efficiently implemented if the Government will listen.
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MAC juniors celebrate a successful year Ollie Blyth
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
It was that time of year again for the Mount Aspiring College junior students to celebrate their achievements from 2019 in last week’s prizegiving. The two separate events (for Year 7 - 8 and Year 9 - 10 students respectively) recognised a number of outstanding achievements in multiple facets of school life. From culture, service, academics, and sport, a wide range of students were celebrated. At each ceremony, a number of students from each individual class were presented with awards that not only recognised their strong academic achievements, but also their positive attitudes exemplified throughout the school year. To separate the award giving, several junior bands entertained the crowds with such hits as
Stevie Wonder’s ‘Superstition’ and Nina Simone’s ‘Feeling Good.’ National and international achievements were also celebrated at the events, with students walking across the stage for the titles they gained in a variety of large scale competitions in snowsports, watersports, and other recreational sports. A number of premier awards were also given out to some of the highest achieving students, notably Ruby Cochrane (Year 7 & 8 contribution to school culture), Kiara Bercelli (Year 9 & 10 contribution to school culture), and Scarlett Norman (whole-hearted contribution (Racer’s Edge Award) junior). The students all finish school at the end of the week after school camps and other activities to further reward them for their hard work in school life. Turn to page 15 for a full list of results.
PHOTOS: Mandy Sherson
Scarlett Norman was awarded the Racer’s Edge Award for whole-hearted contribution to sport, culture, and service.
Tammy Miller won the James Family Award for a student with additional learning needs that achieved personal excellence.
The MAC kapa haka group opened both ceremonies with the haka.
A number of students from each class were recognised for their hard work in academics and attitude.
Brassed Off’ performed Smells Like Teen Spirit at the Year 7 & 8 ceremony.
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PUT YOUR HAND UP TO HELP OUT International Volunteer Day is celebrated every year on 5 December and champions the impact volunteers have in communities, nationally and globally. Wānaka has volunteers from all walks of life involved in many varied and diverse roles, each giving up their time, energy and skills to help make this community a great place to live. Some volunteer roles are very visible; the emergency service volunteers, the marshals at events, the countless sausage sizzles, those collecting money for a cause they are passionate about, the local walking school bus volunteers getting kids to school safely each day or our local op shop volunteers. Others are less visible. The big buddies supporting our local children, companions visiting our older population in their homes, Elmslie or Enliven, volunteers running GirlGuides, Scouts or St John Cadets, those improving our environment by checking traps, maintaining the Lindis Pass or planting our native trees grown by Te Kakano’s nursery volunteers.
Perhaps one of the least visible is those taking on a role on a board of trustees and Volunteering Central has become aware over the last month of many local organisations seeking fresh volunteers to carry out these roles. We’ve had an unusually large number of requests to promote the need for trustees recently. Organisations that Volunteering Central have identified or been approached by as needing new board members in the last few months include; The Upper Clutha Sports Community, (treasurer), Play Therapy Central (trustees), Kahu Youth, (trustees), Wānaka Community Hub (trustees), Scouts (treasurer), Wānaka Alcohol Group (treasurer) and Hāwea Community Association (trustees). Filling key roles like trustee Chairs or treasurers is a challenge and can take time to reach out to the right person. Some groups are very confident putting the word out there and approaching local media to raise awareness and others need a helping hand. Volunteering Central are there to
support organisations seeking new volunteers. Roles on boards can be one of the most challenging, but also the most rewarding of roles. While responsibility for day-to-day operations is handled by management, staff, or volunteers, the board is in place to tackle problems and decisions related to bigger issues, such as the direction and mission of the organisation, staffing concerns, and general governance-related matters. If we’re honest this responsibility can be offputting for some volunteers who feel the role is too big or time consuming. This is even more apparent when the role is that of a treasurer whereby the financials are recorded and reported on by a volunteer. However, like any role, we encourage boards to have a solid induction in place for new board members and each member should be supportive of each other – taking a joint responsibility for sharing the workload and decision making processes. Volunteering Central are also in discussions with a range of organisations such as LINK Upper
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Clutha, Sports Central, Upper Clutha Sports Trust and Affleck O’Meara Accounting Superheroes to explore other ideas to fill some of the treasurer roles on boards. If you have a strong sense of community, have experience in either governance, marketing, strategic planning, funding or finance or HR then there will be a board out there that would love to have you join them. If you don’t have the experience, but are reliable, professional, great at building relationships and keen to develop these skills then Volunteering Central would still love to hear from you! Volunteer today and make a difference in your community. – By Gillian White
Meeting our local achievers
Meet David Baker
Phone: 03 443 8000 Top of Helwick Street, Wānaka OPENING HOURS: 8AM TO 7PM 7 DAYS PAGE 12
David is one of Wānaka’s busy event-based volunteers and has been actively involved in the community since he moved here in 2015. Originally from the UK, David has enjoyed a career working at universities, where he ran the international office and was responsible for the recruitment and pastoral care of international students, as well as student exchanges and strategic linkages. David moved to New Zealand to take up a job at Auckland University in 2008. In the winter of 2014 he took unpaid leave and came down to Wānaka with his wife Sue to take the instructor training course up at Cardrona. They loved it here so much that he never went back to work! They built a house and moved here permanently the following year. “I retired when Sue and I moved to Wānaka, but it would have been a waste not to use the training I got at Cardrona, so I work there parttime as a ski instructor during the very busy period in July and August. I also do a bit of driving/tour guiding for Ridgeline Adventures in the summer,” says David. “When I first came to Wānaka I was worried about the so-called 'cliff-edge' of retirement and threw myself into virtually everything I could find, but then realised I was putting myself under unnecessary pressure. Once I figured out I only needed to do things that I really enjoyed, I really started to have fun as a volunteer.” “Over the past few years I have volunteered for Challenge Wānaka (including hosting a professional athlete), Warbirds Over Wānaka, Wheels to Dunstan, Stars in Your Eyes, Winter Games NZ, Festival of Colour, Wānaka Ski and Snowsports Club and various musical activities at local schools and supporting young people with their musical talents. My biggest passion is music. I've always played keyboards in bands, but I now have more time to engage in a wider variety of music – and to have singing lessons!” Volunteering should be full of proud moments but you can also be faced with challenges and David’s experiences combine both. “A couple of years ago I asked Mat Doyle, head of music at MAC, if there was anything I could do to help his department. He told me the school was putting on a musical, Catch Me If You Can, and he anticipated that the score was going to be challenging for what was going to be a very
THURSDAY 05.12.19 - WEDNESDAY 11.12.19
PHOTO: Supplied
David Baker is an active volunteer for a variety of local events.
young orchestra that year. Would I mind playing along at rehearsals to guide them through until they learned all the songs? We got going and it was an absolute blast, if challenging. With only a week to go before the performance and everyone still struggling, one year 13 student asked 'Are we really going to do this, Mr Doyle?' We were and we did (and I managed to talk my way into playing on stage) and those kids rose to the occasion magnificently. It was a privilege to have been part of bringing the production to the stage.” David has tried and tested a whole range of volunteer roles and he is clearly passionate about the organisations and events that he supports. David highlights how flexible volunteering can be and how it can fit in around other commitments, passions and interests. “Don't feel you have to do everything. Get involved in things you really enjoy doing, and if anything starts to get in the way or become a chore, give it up and try something else. It's not as though you're depending on it to put food on the table.” If you would like to know more about in volunteering contact Volunteering Central on hello@volunteeringcentral.org.nz or call 027 506 5705. Volunteering Central is an initiative of Central Lakes Trust and promotes, supports and strengthens volunteering across the Central Otago and Lakes District. www.volunteeringcentral.org.nz – By Gillian White
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
GirlGuides need more leaders – is that you? Danelle Sheehan is a young GirlGuide who wanted to go on a camp to stay overnight at Mt Aspiring hut on November 30, but it was her Gran’s 75th birthday December 1. Danelle’s Mum spoke to her mum, Heather Churchill about it, and Heather decided she would love to go for a hike for her birthday. So all three showed up on a beautiful, fine, sunny Saturday, and along with 15 other GirlGuides and 12 Leaders and parents, walked into Mt Aspiring hut. Heather was not the last to arrive! Once at the hut the adults regrouped for a chat and a hot cuppa, while the girls ran around playing. We had a lovely dinner, and sang campfire songs before bed, including singing “Happy Birthday” to three of the group who have birthdays in January and never get to hear it sung to them. Danelle, Sara and Heather never said a word. At breakfast time, Sara bought out the “Happy Birthday” banner and Danelle had a cupcake with candles, and we all got to sing again for Heather. That was the last time most of the girls smiled as we hiked out in the wind and rain – weather forecast said that wouldn’t start until lunchtime! But as we are GirlGuides, we were prepared, and everyone had dry clothes to change into at the shelter at Raspberry Flat, before driving home with the car heaters roaring. For some of the girls, this was their first ever hike, and they were amazing. It took us three and a half hours to walk in, and only three hours to walk out. For everyone involved, I think it’s a hike that will stay in our memories for a long time. A great adventure, great scenery, and great company. Heather is such an awesome role model for our young girls, who GirlGuiding wants to inspire to believe that they can do anything, no matter their gender or age. Heather is also an inspiration to the mums and leaders on the hike, as she has an amazing life story which she was happy to share. Wānaka GirlGuides needs more leaders so we can continue to offer opportunities like this to our community. It’s great fun. Our thanks to DoC and the NZ Alpine Club for such a great facility. Sharon Stephens
Wānaka GirlGuides on a hike to Mt Aspiring Hut.
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PHOTO: Supplied
Classically Music students celebrate a year of hard work – singing at their end-of-year concert, accompanied by teacher, Ann-Marie Lake on piano.
Crimeline Hurley S Sean Senior Constable, NZPD The build up to the festive season is on and a number of people continue to make decisions that will ruin 2020 for them, think before you drink, before you drive! On Monday, police had theft from an employee reported to them and the matter is still under investigation. Tuesday saw Police dealing with a report of wilful damage, two local work men came to blows at a building site and Police dealt with a crashed vehicle on Maungawera Hill, in which a vehicle overturned. The driver failed a breathalyser test and will be appearing in court. Friday saw Police dealing with an incident on
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State Highway 6 just beyond Luggate township in which an object thought to be a brass fuel cap went through the windscreen of a car, seriously injuring the driver. Police would like to thank members of the public who stopped to assist and have since come forward with information. Officers would now like to speak to the driver of a black flat-deck truck which was seen travelling north towards Luggate around 3:30pm on Friday. The truck was described as having an empty deck with a Hiab crane at the back. Witnesses or anyone with dash camera footage that can assist the investigation are asked to contact Police on 105 quoting file number 191130/9827 A local lady was apprehended for a second drink driving offence in two days and a local male was apprehended for drink driving when
stopped at a checkpoint. A local 17-year-old and 18-year-old were apprehended for breaching the liquor ban. The early hours of Saturday morning saw police dealing with a family harm incident in which a male unlawfully took his partner’s vehicle and drove whilst disqualified and with excess breath alcohol. Saturday evening saw a visitor to town apprehended for excess breath alcohol. Throughout these incidents excessive consumption of alcohol is the underlying problem individually and as a community we need to address this. Our Community patrol who do an excellent job as our eyes and ears are looking for new members to bolster the hardworking team, if you
THURSDAY 05.12.19 - WEDNESDAY 11.12.19
feel you can spare time and volunteer for this role please contact the Community Police Constable at Wānaka. Firearms holders the last date for a Wānaka Collection event for the Firearms amnesty in Sunday December 8, 2019 between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm at the Wānaka Rugby club rooms. Note that you should register first on the NZ Police website under the firearms section before dropping off non complying weapons. If that is not suitable, check the NZ Police website under collection events, there are events around the area until the December 19 in Invercargill and Dunedin and be advised that there will be no extension of time after December 20, 2019. Keep safe and well leading into 2020, so we make sure we get there.
PAGE 13
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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 PAGE 14
THANKS
Wanaka Salvation Army Family Store. Opening Hours – Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, Saturday 9.30am – 4pm. We look forward to seeing 3 7.0 – 9.0 m Skip Bins you here! 3 4.0 m Hard Fill Skips Donations kindly 4.0 m3 Rubbish Bin With Lid received. Please drop them into the Contact Johnny Salvation Army Family Ph: 0224 SKIP IT (754 748) • W: www.skipit.nz store or ph 443 5068 to book a pick up. When you want to get rid of it - just skip it! Cut rags (100% cotton) and drop cloths, only $7 for a big bag. Now CHICKEN in the yard container at Wastebusters. Open 9-5 seven days. Business Networking International. The Wanaka chapter of BNI meets weekly at 7am Tuesday morning. Great networking opportunity to grow your business. Contact Randal Dobbs for information 021 973 043 NOW AVAILABLE AT CALTEX WANAKA Rags, rags, rags ... little ones, big ones, cotton ones and drop cloths, STORAGE FOR SALE available from the Washing machine Wanaka Salvation Army and drier for sale Family Store 443 5068. both Indesit, hardly used been in holiday WANTED home $150 each or 2 for $250, - excellent Housekeeper/ working order cleaner/Girl Friday 021 126 0053. wanted for private Old fashioned chain household, 8hrs/ bike (3) wheels for fortnight. Hourly sale -in great order rate depends a real classic! red & on experience/ white great idea for skills, $24 - $25 Christmas $150. minimum. Work is varied and includes dishes, cleaning, GARAGE meal prep, odd SALE jobs, deliveries, TRADES & outside work. Good Hogan Lane. c o m m u n i c a tion SERVICES Moving to skills and reliability Australia. ADVERTS required, and a Everything willingness to muck FROM must go! in with whatever Sign is out 8am is needed. Email this Saturday, +GST support@weft.nz for application. 7th Dec 2019.
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SERVICES Wanaka Pharmacy is your local pharmacy. We’re the big pharmacy at the top of Helwick Street open from 8am until 7pm every single day. Ph 443 8000 JP SERVICES are available at Community Networks, 34 McDougall Street, every Tuesday from 1pm-2pm and Friday from 10:30-11:30am. Please book your appointment by ringing Community Networks on 03 443 7799.
WANTED Merino, if anyone has any Merino clothing to spare could you kindly drop it into the Salvation Army Family Store, 48 Helwick Street The Salvation Army Family Store is desperately needing good quality mens clothing and shoes. If you could please just drop these into the store or phone for a pick up for large amounts. Volunteers welcomed at The Salvation Army Family store if you have some free time and would like to be part of a team which makes a difference, come and see us.
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WĀNAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER ISSUE 951 Free delivery to Wānaka, Cromwell and surrounds, PO boxes in Makarora, Cromwell, Haast, Wānaka, Albert Town and Hāwea. Also distributed to businesses in the Wānaka business district Average circulation: 15,000 weekly. Phone: 03 443 5252 • Fax: 03 443 5250 Editor: Emma Conyngham • editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Journalist: Francesca Maria Nespolo journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Ollie Blyth • journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Abby Costen • newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz Caroline Moratti • newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz Advertising: Carrie Frew • 021 786 740 adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz Admin: Benn Ashford • 021 956 740 admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Mail: PO Box 697, Wānaka THURSDAY 05.12.19 - WEDNESDAY 11.12.19
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Mt Aspiring College Junior Awards YEAR 7 ACADEMIC AWARDS: Highest Achievers (class): Tom Bankshaw, Olivia Huddleston, Xander Maguire, Lincoln Rimmer, Alex Coupland, Lola Ritchie, Joseph Combe, Dan McKean. High Achievement (subjects and SOAR Awards / Trophies): Grace Thomas, Will Blyth, Arlo Hanning, Mila Culpitt, Cody Labes, Evy Green, Lucy Maibach, Mathilda Watterson, Lucy Liddell, Sienna Christian, Hannah Gillespie, Abby Jago, Axel Macdougall, Beatrix Creswick, Joe Rowley, Taja Rowan, Chloe Murray, William Schurink. High Achievement (subjects): Zeph Foster, Che De'Souza, Dorothy Anderson, Ania-Kanu Saklani, Midori Osnabrugge, Catarina David, Lexi Brown, Bella Edwards, Oskar Sharpe, Saxon Pepper, Robert McRae, Blaise Lockie, Hunter Cranfield, Skye Watson, Sam Soper, Archie Bruce, Zach Kirk, Aria Winter, Harry Oxley, Myles Nichol, Douglas Wise, Arlo Mackay, Barnes Metcalfe, Ben Hilton, Pieta Craig, Tyler Gawn, Xander Hearle, Charlie Roy, Ryan Clark, Ashley Rasmussen, Bede Pemberton, Ella Asberg, Lucas Stewart, Jemma Spear. SOAR Trophies: Eve Buckland, Jessie McNeil, Kate Barrett, Jessie Dye, Ryan Enoka, Sophia Tuck. SOAR Awards: Celeste Rumore, Zoe Nicholson, Ayla Howard, Kiana Babbington, Cormac Lee-Smith, Lia Hunter, Mikayla Duncan, Amelia Sramek, Kaya Knights-Johnston, Lucas Barron, Toby Gunn, Olive Sedon, Olivia Shore, Eliza Rowley, Leah Polk, Lily Campbell. YEAR 8 ACADEMIC AWARDS: Highest achiever (class): Caspar Waddington, Isabella Noble-Kirkbride, Tai Treadwell-Burke, Bonnie McGregor, Kelly Quirke, Amy Benson, Tom Sides. High Achievement (subjects and SOAR Awards / Trophies): Anton Jones, Campbell Lanigan, Philip Massey, Evelyn Armstrong, Suki Leigh, Georgia Lindsay, Lulu Pettit, Eva Gilbertson, Alexis-Sofia Harvey-Wills, Grace Heath, Ruby Cochrane, Matthew Botting, Max Byrne, Laura Bacigalova, Ella Briscall, Jack Wyeth, Sophie Walsh. High achievement (subjects): Max Porter, Olivia Rudhall, Layla Brooks, Daisy Sanders, Emily Schmidt, Ben Webb, Hudson Weathington, Neve Brugman, Anna Corthell, Bayne Deaton, Erica Hudson, Gabe Jefferson, Kate Watson, Zoe Raffills, Annika Massey, Ben McMurray, Noa Hunter, Shuto Suzuki, Thomas Niles, Sacha Swanson, Zedyn Fellows, Abbey Pedersen, Livi Arnold, Caoimhe Heath, Carlos Parker, Olivia Helmore, Ollie Baldwin, Bryne Bloxham, Lena Pollard. SOAR Trophies: Harry Hope, Reuben Dale, Blake West, Nicola MacKay, Otis Murphy, Tay Simpson. SOAR Awards: Madi Cooper, Kyan Prince, Brooke Hutchison, Riley McRae, Sophie McKenna, Hannah Wright, Kanuka Elms, Melissa Emasu, Madi Jolly, Will Anderson. National & International Achievements: National: Daniel Wright (cross country skiing and biathlon), Catarina David (cross country skiing), Cam Melville Ives (snowboarding). International: Fin Melville Ives, Sylvia Trotter (skiing), Jessica Penney (trampolining), Amy Benson (mountain biking). Culture & Service Awards: Robert McRae, Anna Corthell (speech), Otis Murphy (music). YEAR 7 & 8 PREMIER AWARDS: Sophie Walsh, Grace Thomas, Luke Gendall, Otis Murphy (culture), Olivia Huddleston, Ben Pell, Tay Simpson, Ania-Kanu Saklani (service), Ben McMurray, Louie Hose, Tom Sides (sport). Ruby Cochrane (school culture). YEAR 9 ACADEMIC AWARDS: Highest Achievers (class): Isabella Soper, Tayla Doran, Jemma Brake, India Yule, Caity
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Curtis, Jessie Winter, Jaleesa Webb. High Achievement (subjects and SOAR Awards / Trophies): Bradley Gendall, Muireann Green, Lilly Hampson, Zoe Antone, Laura Watkins, Emilie Nicholson, Ella Miles, Ava Hay, Cuba Pavlovich, Jake Green, Hazel Murray, Julia Shepherd, Kalan Nichol, Nina Lee Smith, Ajay Quirk, Eva Humphreys, Zoe Eckhoff, Lily Ashe, Melia Brett. High Achievement (subjects): Billie Willson, Niall Alexander, Matilda Metcalfe, Hunter Wilton, Bella Templeton, Bryce Voyce, Cade Cameron, Hamish Sherlock, Sara Jewell, Ruby McLachlan, Saffron Millar, Clarke West, Oliver Cohen, Mai Beattie-Johnson, Oscar Goodwin, Harry Anderson, Lucas Buick, Jessica McKenna, Max Carter, Oscar Waddington, Milly Lewis, Niamh Townsend, Sienna Jones, Jem Curtis, Zara Bailey. SOAR Trophies: Sam Caumette, Max Knight, Kate Bennie, Nova Gillam, Giovanni AustinMoorhouse. SOAR Awards: Trae Hessian, Thomas Benson, Illume Sadowski-Synnott, Ally Paterson, Anataia White, Annalise Millar, Jorja Liddell, Eleanor Bennett, Alex Sudron, Georgie Gillespie, Freja Malmo. YEAR 10 ACADEMIC AWARDS: Highest achiever (class): Emily O'Donnell, Liam Williamson, Scarlett Norman, Layton Osnabrugge, Hayden Watson, Emma Palmer. High Achievement (subjects and SOAR Awards / Trophies): Kimiya Byrne, Ben Silipo, Daisy Orbell, Taylor Gilson, Isla Henderson, Amelia Holmes, McKay Watson, Millie Cranfield, Pipi Horan, Luke Smith, Matai Wells, Kiara Bercelli, Harry Gilbertson, Abby McArthur, Rory Read. Junior mathematics: Layton Osnabrugge. High achievement (subjects): Amelia Mitchell, Olivia McLachlan, Sophia Perkins, Tai Olley, Cormick Lea, Kyle Evans, Olivia Jones, Toby Davies, Jenna Peat, Neve Faed, Christie Southwick, Jessie Barkman-White, Otis Harry, Luka van Maren, Hayley Ambrose, Benji Pujol, Eligh Hollegien, Jazz Simonsohn, Carter Hewson, Emily Findlay, Dakota Rowe, Hana Dean. SOAR Trophies: Ben Simmers, Bella Sarginson, Rose Armstrong, Mackenzie Allison, Ma'nea Apa, Claire Edwards. SOAR Awards: Charlotte Bell, Aimee Harrold, Torben Craig, Anika Fay, Lucy Miller, Maggie Dougherty, Tao Hawkey-Hight, Romy Guichard. Sports awards: Corin Suddaby, Scarlett Norman (cross country), Cruz Morland, Kate Bennie, Ben Silipo, Jack Findlay (swimming), Ewan Hughes, Estelle Gellatly (athletics). Pipi Horan (rowing), Ben Silipo (junior sport). National & International Achievements: National: Isabella Soper (gymnastics), Emily Findlay, Hayley Ambrose, Pipi Horan, Ruby Boyd (rowing), Olivia Jones (cross country skiing and biathlon), Lucia Georgalli (snowboarding), Ben Silipo (swimming) International: Zoe Antone (archery), Oscar Georgalli (snowboarding), Gustav Legnavsky (skiing). Cultural awards: Ella Miles (monologue), Kimiya Byrne (music). Service Awards: Tammy Miller (special recognition); Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Bronze Award: Emma Palmer, Millie Cranfield, Sam Johnson, Scarlett Norman, Tao HawkeyHight, Zoe Frazer. YEAR 9 & 10 PREMIER AWARDS: Kimiya Byrne, Paige Gawn, Tayla Doran, Zoe Frazer (culture), Benji Pujol, Ella Parker, Jemma Brake, Kiara Bercelli (service), Scarlett Norman, Ben Silipo, McKay Watson, Olivia Jones (sport). Kiara Bercelli (school culture), Scarlett Norman (whole-hearted contribution – junior).
PHOTO: Supplied
Wastebusters communications manager Gina Dempster, Wastebusters Enviroschools facilitator Damian Foster, Enviroschools Otago regional coordinator Robyn Zink, QLDC Deputy Mayor Calum MacLeod and Councillor Niamh Shaw joined Wānaka Pre-School teachers and children on Tuesday, November 3, for the silver celebration.
Wānaka Preschool recognised by Enviroschool Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Enviroschools and sustainability are at the heart of what Wānaka Preschool does, and this week the early childhood centre re-reflected on the Silver paragraph. “This shows the whole school approach to sustainability is embedded and have been evaluated with regard to people, place, programmes and protocols,” Wastebusters Enviroschools facilitator Damian Foster said. “This puts them well on track to achieve their ambition for green gold and the reflection process highlighted some next steps and actions they can take to achieve this.” Wānaka Pre-School was awarded silver in 2013 and, with a new group of teachers on board, felt it was important to check in with the silver stage before progressing to green gold. Wānaka Pre-School’s Christine Smith said teacher Katrina Brewer leads their Enviroschools curriculum and the whole preschool community is involved from teachers through to the children and parents. “The children and parents are involved as a part of
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our learning community, and both our philosophy and core values identify sustainable practices as our priority. Our parents have supported all our key initiatives this year,” Christine said. The initiatives included replacing plastic bags with reusable bags for wet gear, zero waste lunchboxes and learning how to make beeswax wraps, upgrading their nature garden and planting fruit trees, progressing their solar power project, learning from community experts, and going out into nature to explore and discover. Damian said the ECE has fully embraced the Enviroschools’ kaupapa and are a fantastic example of sustainability embedded into every day practise and the curriculum. “The dedicated teaching staff are so in tune with the children and have created an amazing centre that deserves to be celebrated and shared. The tamariki, kaiako and whanau are celebrating the incredible mahi they are doing and have been doing over the years in their very special place.” Delivery of Enviroschools to preschools in the district is funded by not-for-profit community enterprise Wastebusters.
EMPLOYMENT
PUBLIC NOTICE
JOB VACANCY - Gardening/Maintenance
Lake Hawea Golf Club
position at Town Centre Hotel, 20-30 hours per week, season dependant. Successful Applicant must be long term Wanaka Resident, Physically Fit and good at problem solving. Able to work unsupervised and show initiative, experience in Basic Maintenance and Gardening beneficial but not essential as full training will be given. Applications close Sunday 8th December, position would be starting in the New Year. Please email your CV and Application Letter to jo@wanakahotel.co.nz or drop into Wanaka Hotel Reception, 71 Ardmore Street.
AGM
The AGM is to be held on Sunday 8th December, 2019 at 10.30am at the Lake Hawea Golf Club clubroom. Thank you.
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 consideration will be given, at the next Wanaka Community Board meeting in February 2020 (date to be confirmed) to the closure of the following road to ordinary vehicular traffic, for the purpose of holding the annual Wanaka A & P Show 2020: Road to be Closed:
McDougall Street from Ardmore Street to Brownston Street
Period of Closure:
0600 Wednesday 11 March 2020 to 1200 Sunday 15 March 2020
Roads to be Closed:
Brownston Street from McDougall Street to Youghal Street and McDougall Street from Upton Street to Brownston Street (Note: access to this area will be available for residents, campground users, trade exhibitors and for disabled parking)
Period of Closure:
0600 to 2000 on Friday 13 March 2020 and Saturday 14 March 2020
It will be an offence under the above regulations for any person otherwise than under authority of an authorised permit to use the roads for ordinary vehicular traffic during the period of closure. Those who have any concerns regarding the above closures, please contact Sarah Mitchell at APL Property Limited on 021 244 9988 or by email sarah.mitchell@aplproperty.co.nz before 5.00pm on Monday 16 December 2019.
THURSDAY 05.12.19 - WEDNESDAY 11.12.19
Private Bag 50072 | 47 Ardmore Street Wānaka Phone 03 443 0024 | www.qldc.govt.nz
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Harrington on Youth Winter Olympic Games Team Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
NZ Olympic Committee announced the selection of local skier, Luca Harrington, to take part in the Youth Winter Olympic Games Team. “To be able to join the NZ team for the Youth Olympics is such an honour and a dream come true. It is a great privilege to be invited to represent your country and I feel very grateful for the opportunity. I am really looking forward to the incredible people and experiences that will come with it,” shared Harrington. Wānaka-born and bred, 15-year-old Luca has been skiing almost as long as he’s been walking. “I’ve always had skiing in my blood because my dad was a pro mogul skier,” he explained. “I don’t know where I would be right now without my dad’s encouragement and passion for skiing. He has been coaching my brother and I, as well as all our friends since day one. Dad instilled the love of skiing in all of us because he has always made it fun and at the end of the day, just made it happen. He coached for Cardrona, took us to competitions at the Club Fields and SnowPlanet and then when he could manage it, he eventually took us, with our friends, overseas,” explained Harrington. He continued, “As well as my dad,
PHOTO: Black Peak
Luca Harrington in action at Cardrona.
and the team at Cardrona, my older brother Ben has been a huge part of my skiing success. Ben loves skiing, studies it passionately and is a great competitor himself. This past season, Ben was recovering from injury so he was able to really focus on coaching me and helped me break through to the next level. Yes, now that school is out, the training will be all on starting next week as I have to prepare for three events, Slopestyle, Half Pipe and Big Air. I expect a busy couple of years ahead!” Harrington’s many hours on the snow
have allowed him to hone his skills across a full range of disciplines and at the Winter Youth Olympic Games he will represent NZ in freeski halfpipe, slopestyle and big air. “We are so lucky to have Cardrona in our backyard. They have created a World Class park and kids like me simply can’t get enough! They make it so fun and so challenging that I never want to miss a day. The early sunrises, the mountains, the adrenalin, the people, I am hooked! You could almost say I have an addiction,” joked Harrington.
PHOTO: winkipop media
Number one in Otago for Bella Soper Aspiring Gymsports received another trophy on the weekend when Bella Soper was awarded the highest score at the New Zealand Championships for an Otago athlete; 13.4 out of possible 14.6 on beam. Coach Rae Patterson was also nominated for Otago Coach and Soper was nominated for Gymnast of the Year. The young gymnast went on to win the gold medal in the beam finals.
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Wanaka THURSDAY 05.12.19 - WEDNESDAY 11.12.19
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