Vaping divides opinion
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Is vaping as bad as smoking?
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Young humanitarian entrepreneur returns home Purpose Project changes lives in Uganda.
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EDITION 956
Nazi salute at Wānaka Rodeo
PHOTO: Gabby Robinson
One rodeo attender screamed at protesters, “I’m a Nazi”.
Emma Conyngham
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
ast Wednesday January 2, a small group of 10 protesters stood their ground for two hours outside the gates of the Wānaka Rodeo even when one hostile rodeo attendee screamed at the protesters, “I’m a Nazi, I’m a Nazi” whilst holding his right arm out in the universal symbol of facism and white supremacy. There were two children in the car with him at the time. “It was very disturbing,” said Katherine Gollop president of the Queenstown Vegan Society and spokesperson for the protesters. Her partner, Gabby Robinson, took the photo. “He was laughing a lot and shouting random things at us. Then he lifted both hands off the
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wheel to put one across his face like Hitler’s moustache, then one arm up in the salute, whilst screaming ‘I’m a Nazi’ at us,” she said. “It just goes to show what kind of people go to rodeos and enjoy these types of events.” Rodeo protests have been ongoing for a few years despite election promises by Labour to ban the use of calves under 12 months old, electric prods, flank straps and rope-burning. Those promises remain unfulfilled as the Minister responsible for animal welfare, Meka Whaitiri, was sacked in 2018 and never replaced. Her portfolio was instead handed to Minister for Agriculture, Damien O’Connor, who is famously supportive of rodeo practices. Gollop told the Wānaka Sun, “We’re here today to again remind the government and tell them that we’re not just looking for a ban on
those elements, we’re looking for an overall ban. It’s outdated, it’s archaic, it’s cruel and there’s no need for this in New Zealand society.” “We released a live stream video on our Facebook page in which I discussed why we were protesting the rodeo, and what the public can do to help shut rodeos down. We have had so much support from people who are against animal abuse, and we have had a lot of abuse from the people who are supporting animal abuse. Gollop reported that there is a clear trend in that anyone not attending the rodeo supports their plight, whilst the people posting abusive messages on their live stream are the ones actively going to rodeos. “It just goes to show the type of people we are dealing with here, and perhaps why the government is avoiding implementing a ban.
These people claim to be animal lovers, but they simply love animals in the same way they love inanimate objects – as a means to some personal gain. I love my dog, and you don't see me lassoing her around the neck while she runs at full speed, throwing her to the ground, then tying her so she can't move. If I did that, I'd be charged with animal abuse. Because guess what, that is exactly what it is,” complained Gollop. “We didn't get the chance to meet with the rodeo organisers. I perhaps think this is for the best as typically there is no getting through to them. They have absolutely no regard for the animals whom they exploit in these events, and they time and time again claim that these animals live great lives and don't feel any pain through the Continued on page 3
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Controversial infrastructure funding tool in talks Caroline Moratti
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Jim Boult has welcomed the consideration of potentially controversial new infrastructure funding and finance tool. The bill is currently being read in the House with the bill hoped to be passed in mid 2020. This finance tool will provide councils with the opportunity to fund projects such as water and transport infrastructure and community amenities. Boult describes it as an opportunity to speed up much-needed infrastructure and said, “I, for one, welcome any innovative initiative that could help address the need for additional housing in the Queenstown Lakes district.” However, the financing behind this tool would be sourced directly from a levy, to be paid for by those who are expected to benefit from the infrastructure project. Typically, a levy would last between 25 to 50 years. A working example of this finance tool can be seen at Milldale, north of Auckland, where homeowners pay a levy of $1,000 for a home, over 30 years. This is on top of existing rates and taxes. The Wānaka Sun asked QLDC whether the cost to the ratepayer of $1000 per year for 30
years was a fair burden to place on new developments but the council declined to PHOTO: Wānaka Sun archive comment. The targeted Mayor Boult released a nature of this levy at statement welcoming the new developments consideration of the new could help contribute infrastructure funding tool, despite potential to the growing divide harmful outcomes. of wealth in towns such as Queenstown and Wānaka. Many, particularly young families, seek out new developments because they cannot afford and access the existing infrastructure, and this levy could either add to financial strain or once again lock them out of the market. The only question that QLDC could answer was in reference to the visitor bed tax which is expected to be introduced to parliament in 2020, saying: “QLDC remains on track to progress a local visitor levy with strong support from within Central Government.” In a general comment about the controversial infrastructure tool, QLDC did note that “At this stage we’re still developing our position in relation to a reasonably complex Bill. We will communicate on it when we’ve reflected appropriately,” despite Mayor Boult having publically welcomed the Bill in a press release.
Vaping divides opinion in smoke-free trial
Lizards force Cardrona to look elsewhere to install a chairlift.
PHOTO: Dr Mandy Tocher
DOC rejects Cardrona chairlift plans Caroline Moratti
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Cardrona has been forced to abandon plans for a chairlift on Pringles Quad after DOC made the decision to not approve the Wildlife Act Authorisation due to native lizards found in the area. The chairlift was meant to be installed in time for winter 2019 but due to this significant setback, Cardrona must find a new site to install one and hopes instead to have another life by Winter 2021. “Though we are very disappointed we will not be able to install the Pringle’s lift, we support the position DOC has taken to protect these rare and endangered lizards,” said Bridget Legnavsky, Cardrona Alpine Resorts Ltd General Manager. The team had spent the last year and a “significant effort” working with one of New Zealand's leading herpetologists (lizard experts) and DOC to create a plan that would mitigate any potential impact on the lizard species caused by the lift construction. On Cardrona’s website, Jen Houltham said “We got it to the point where we were confident we were looking after the lizards, and submitted
it to the Department of Conservation.” Despite this effort, DOC did not approve the application, with Houltham saying that “we're a bit gutted” at the news. Pringle’s Quad is home to some of the nation’s rarest lizards, including the nationally vulnerable Orange-spotted gecko and Lakes skink species. DOC’s southern South Island operations director, Aaron Fleming, said “DOC commends the resort for their cooperation to ensure this wildlife refuge is protected.” Cardrona was not legally bound to stop the chairlift as a result of the declined application, but according to Fleming “continuing with the construction without the Wildlife Act authorisation could have been an offence under the Wildlife Act if this work caused the death of protected wildlife.” He went on to note that “Constructing a chairlift involves destroying rocky outcrops inhabited by lizards and squashing other lizard habitat with heavy machinery, and it is very likely that lizards would be killed at the same time.” Both DOC and Cardrona will continue to work together to determine how they can change their existing chairlift plans to ensure the area’s biodiversity is well protected.
Warm winter, cold summer. What’s up? Emma Conyngham
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Vaping is a smoking cessation tool, but currently banned on the lakefront.
Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
“Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) move to ban vaping on the popular beaches of Queenstown, Frankton, Wānaka and Glenorchy is sadly based on snobbery not scientific evidence,” said Jonathan Devery, spokesperson for the Vaping Trade Association of New Zealand. He said “including vaping in the ban is misguided and only stigmatises the best smoking cessation tool New Zealand has ever had. The council claims that vaping creates second-hand smoke issues, is smelly and offensive, while the Mayor says it’s all about helping the district become smoke-free. Sadly, by confusing vaping with smoking, they’re only hindering, not helping, national progress on New Zealand’s Smoke Free 2025 ambition”. “Vaping is the most effective way for smokers to quit tobacco and international research shows it has no second-hand impact on others, so what’s the problem?” said Devery. On social media, Wānaka’s response was
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PHOTO: Pixabay
evenly divided. Trish Fraser said, “Vaping is not smoking, it is 95 percent less harmful than smoking and a great way for smokers to transition off cigarettes – have some empathy people.” Penelope Truman agreed, saying, “There is no litter problem with vaping and there is little or no danger from second hand vapour from e-cigarettes. A ban on vaping would be based on aesthetics only... Almost all of them are exsmokers trying to give up smoking. Why not give them a helping hand, and not make it more difficult for them. They are doing the right thing!” But those who support the ban were tacit in their opinions: Kathy Voss, “Love the ban”; Linzi Ebbage-Thomas, “Ban both. Permanently”; Huitau Rogerson, “Yes ban both great idea”; Tania Brett, “Yes ban smoking and vaping in public areas”; and Dean Rankin, “There's no difference between smoking and vaping, so if it happens it should be both.” The online debate between opposing arguments was robust, with attack from both sides. Council has not revealed what criteria they will use to judge whether the trial is a success.
It’s been unseasonably cold in Wānaka this summer. The average maximum January temperature is six degrees higher than what we are currently experiencing. The average summer temperature for Wānaka in January is 23.8c but this week, it has hovered around 17c. Lisa Murray, head of weather communication for Metservice said the overnight temperature in Wānaka for January, is usually 11.2c but this week has been down to 5c. “This week is cooler right across the country, with strong winds that have begun to ease off. As we go through the week, we’re into the 20s on Thursday and Friday in Wānaka, and then the overnight temperatures will also increase into the double digits. It’s not the greatest but it’s even cooler in Invercargill,” she said. “Looking at the next couple of weeks it’s still a really changeable pattern where we will see really cooler temperatures at times but when we get the northwesterlies it will warm us up slightly. Unfortunately it will continue for the next while.” So after a warm winter when blossoms were peaking out in late July and the mountains had hardly any snow, is there a connection between the warm winter and cold summer? “A warm winter and a cold summer are not necessarily tied like that,” said Murray. “We did have a mild winter but it was a really interesting year with no tropical cyclones last year which is really unusual,” she said. Tropical Cyclone season is November 1 to
THURSDAY 09.01.20 - WEDNESDAY 15.01.20
April 1 and so far there haven’t been any over NZ. “That’s not to say they’re not coming this year but it did feel milder in winter 2019.” “We do get cycles like this every few years. If we think since 2015 we’ve just been getting warmer and warmer and summers are drier and drier. But we do find the country… from Timaru northwards and the East Coast they are way drier than normal so we are in a moisture deficit; farmers are all irrigating at this stage. Paddocks are brown, and Auckland and northland are really really dry.” Just because it’s cooler does not mean there’s more rain— temperature and rainfall are not connected. “Southland at the moment, has had plenty of rain — above normal rainfall — but not much sunshine so they haven’t had a good growing season. Just over the hill in Otago, the cherry growers haven’t had as much produce as normal due to lack of rain,” said Murray. “Climate change is not necessarily that everywhere will feel warmer and we’ll never have snow again. That’s not what climate change is about. In the terms of what we say, they’ve changed the terminology from ‘global warming’ to ‘climate change’, because everybody in different parts of the world will see different changes. “We have the responsibility to educate ourselves and not listen to hearsay. We must seek out the facts. To get even 70 percent of scientists to agree on something is really good going but when you look at the consensus of up to 99 percent of scientists agreeing on climate change it’s time to stop worrying about whether it’s happening and just take action.”
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Nazi salute at Young humanitarian entrepreneur Wānaka Rodeo returns to home from Uganda Continued from page 1 events. They seem to be completely ignorant to the fact that calves, horses, steers, and bulls all have central nervous systems and pain receptors that function in the same way as the animals we call pets, or indeed, in the same way as humans. It's quite shocking that we allow people who have such bizarre views of sentient beings to be solely in control of them during these events. Whether there is a vet on site or not, these animals are being put in compromising situations just by the very nature of the events in the rodeo.” “It's really quite horrific just how personal the responses from the rodeo goers are when they do shout out. Perhaps they go for personal attack because they have no rationally grounded argument in response to what we are doing. We will continue to have a presence at the Wānaka rodeo and any others that we are able to protest at. We will also continue to reach out to sponsors of the rodeo and question them on their funding. We won't stop until the government calls a ban to this legalised form of animal abuse.” In response, Lyal Cocks, New Zealand Cowboys Association president, and spokesperson for Wānaka Rodeo said, “I did not have expectations relating to protesters and I did not talk to them. They did not come to the rodeo. It was pleasing to note they were well behaved and did not aggressively intimidate the public as they did last year,” he said. Cocks denied they cause animal abuse, “Yes, of course the animals are treated properly before, during and after the rodeo. It would be illegal not to treat them properly. Rodeo does not abuse or mistreat animals. Veterinarians and our Animal Welfare Officers check all animals before, during and after each rodeo and report on their health and wellbeing. There have been no negative reports. Animals are an integral part of the sport of rodeo and therefore a high standard of animal welfare is essential to ensure the animals are healthy, fit and ready to compete. Several community groups benefit from the rodeo where they participate to raise funds. These include: Riding for the Disabled (raised $2,200 by selling the rodeo programs for the Club; Wānaka Rowing Club; Wānaka Community Patrol; Upper Clutha Pony Club; Alpine Street Machines Car Club. And this year the Rodeo Club has selected ‘Food for Love’ as the group it will provide a grant to,” concluded Cocks. Whilst for now, the matter remains a domestic struggle between protestors and organisers, that could soon change with Green MP Gareth Hughes who has a Member's Bill in the ballot which would look to ban rodeo in New Zealand. — Additional reporting from Caroline Moratti and Francesca Maria Nespolo.
Laura Robinson celebrates her 22nd birthday on a trip to Uganda.
Hopeline director Tony Wanyoike, left, with Laura Robinson and Laura O'Dwyer on their trip to Uganda in 2017.
Caroline Moratti
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
To have started an international volunteering organisation at the age of 22 is a pretty unbelievable achievement, but that’s exactly what Laura Robinson did. She’s 23 now and back in Wānaka for her first Christmas home in three years. Robinson’s spent the last five years volunteering in the Ugandan village of Kkoba, not to mention balancing law school at the University of Canterbury. It’s been a whirlwind few years, but Laura Robinson is just getting started. Robinson was raised in Timaru with “two loving parents and a very close family”. She looked up to her family as role models, with her father and grandfather running the local Rotary Club. When she was 11, Robinson’s father passed away from terminal cancer, but not before writing her a series of letters that were put away for special occasions in her life. “They’ve been a real guide in my life and an inspiration to keep dreaming big,” Robinson said of his continual influence. Her first real stint at volunteering was at age 18, for a small Ugandan organisation called Hope Line which was sent volunteers via a larger American organisation. Robinson was shocked at the exploitation of smaller grassroots, not-for-profits by bigger organisations
Laura and Purpose Projects help to build a primary school with Hopeline.
sending volunteers, which failed to focus on developing local organisations and projects and rather on charging large programme fees to cover administration costs. Purpose Projects, her volunteering organisation, was born out of a wish to help support Hope Line without the exploitative nature of larger companies. Robinson goes to Kkoba three times a year; two months before and after Christmas over university break and one month mid year, always trying to work around exams and classes. “Finding a balance with university was tough especially because I knew this was what I wanted to be doing but also needed to finish my qualifications. So I had to continuously prioritise and it meant dropping things out of my life to make room for what was important,” Robinson confessed. If studying, researching, volunteering and setting up your own organisation didn’t sound busy enough, Robinson also works part time as all of her work and travel is self-funded. In 2018 Robinson’s Purpose Projects lead over 30 students from New Zealand to Uganda to build a primary school. Every member selffunded their travel alongside the money needed for the project, which was implemented by Hope Line and overseen by a community board of Kkoba. The project was a success, and the school currently has over 200 enrolments for
PHOTOS: Supplied
next year with a capacity for 2000. Robinson said, “The volunteers were so hard working, open to learning and growing. It was incredible to see them work throughout the year on fundraising for the community and the next generation of children, and help Hope Line bring that project to life.” Recently, Robinson was recognized as a finalist for the 2019 Women of Influence awards which she calls an “honour” but admits “it’s hard being recognised individually though when there has been so many people coming together to bring the organisation to fruition.” Going forwards, Robinson hopes to continue her work in Kkoba as well as develop a local arm of the organisation in New Zealand to support other young people interested in not-for-profit and social justice entrepreneurship. Although she’s just gotten back to Wānaka, Robinson is off again next week to Uganda, but hopes to enjoy Wānaka life properly when she moves back in February. Robinson wants to give a shout-out to her “incredible team here and in Uganda. Particularly Stuart, Alice and Stef who are grinding to prepare for our trip leaving in a week.” If you’re interested in getting involved, Robinson says Purpose Projects are always looking for volunteers and donations to help continue the work they do.
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Helicopter pictures of Mt Cook shows alarming brown sludge.
PHOTO: Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters
Aussie smoke discolours glaciers Caroline Moratti
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: Kate Blyth
Wānaka’s beauty disappeared under an apocalyptic haze on New Year’s Day.
Smoke on the mountain Metservice NZ reported that the orange colour is due to, “the light of the sun shining through the air filled with the small smoke particles, the particles change the direction of light rays, causing them to scatter. The colour we see in light depends on its wavelength, for example, 700nm at the red end of the spectrum to 400nm at the violet end. The short-wavelength blue and violet are scattered much more than other colours of the spectrum. More molecules in the atmosphere mean all the blue and violet is scattered away from our line of sight while the other colours yellow, orange, and red continue to your eyes. So, in summary the smoke particles filter out the blue light in the spectrum and can make the sky look orange and the sun look red, particularly at sunrise and sunset.”
The Council Word Smokefree and vapefree lakefronts This summer we’re going smokefree and vapefree at Wānaka waterfront, Queenstown Bay, Frankton Beach and Glenorchy waterfront. Help keep the air clear and the beach butt free so everyone can enjoy the waterfront areas. The trial will run until 31 March 2020. If you want more details or have any feedback on the trial, let us know at letstalk.qldc.govt.nz
Sign up to our Community Text Alerts If you haven’t already, make sure you sign up to our free Community Text Alerts service. In the event of an emergency or any unforeseen issues - like the recent ‘wet’ weather, we’ll send you text. When signing up, simply pick the locations you wanted alerts about, and you’re all sorted. Head to www.qldc.govt.nz/text-alerts to register.
Use water wisely this summer Help us avoid potential water restrictions in the drier months by using water wisely. Switch that sprinkler off overnight, plug the basin while shaving and fill a bucket with water to wash your car! Simple things make a big difference.
www.qldc.govt.nz PAGE 4
Spotted a water leak? If you spot a water leak, please let us know as soon as possible by calling 03 441 0499 and we’ll send someone out to fix it. Whatever the time, we’re available 24/7.
Remember your lifejacket It’s compulsory for everyone to wear a lifejacket that fits when on a vessel 6 metres or less in length.
Liquor ban in effect A liquor ban is in effect in the Wānaka town centre and along the lakefront from the hours of 8.00pm through to 8.00am, every day. For more on the restrictions and areas prohibited, head to www.qldc.govt.nz/alcohol-restrictions
Clutha River restrictions A friendly reminder that no powered vessels are allowed on the Clutha River from the Lake Wānaka Outlet to the Albert Town Bridge. This restriction ends on 30 April 2020.
5 knot speed restrictions 5 knot speed restrictions are currently in place on the Hāwea River from the Hāwea Dam to the Clutha River, and on the Cardrona River.
The devastating impact of the Australian fires continues to cause concern, this time with the smoke playing havoc with our pristine white glaciers. Whilst onlookers were shocked on New Year's day to discover the hazy skies, only a few could spot the damage up high, with pictures showing mass discolouration and brown sludge on tourist hotspots Mt Cook, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Andrew Gutsell, lead pilot of Helicopter from Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopter, said he first noticed the effects about four to five weeks ago when a layer of ash settled on top of the snow, but was quickly covered up by fresh snowfall. For one day they were unable to access the Upper Neve of the glacier due to the smoke haze, with Gutsell adding, “There was an orange tinge to the sky with the smoke particles and while there was some impact on some of our scenic flights, what we experienced is nothing to what our neighbours in Australia are going through. They are in our thoughts.”
The discolouration of the glacier got the crew talking about climate change, with no one having ever seen anything like this before in their years of flying. Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopter are proudly certified carbonzero, “we’re actively reducing our emissions, and we offset all the emissions we can’t reduce” and sees this latest scare as a talking point for their visitors, “we’ve been flying here for 65 years so we can talk to them about those actions we can take individually and collectively to ensure we’re still visiting this glacier in another 60, 70 or 80 years,” says Gutsell. The long-term impact of the smoke on the glacier is unknown but many fear for the worst, with even Helen Clark tweeting that the “impact of ash on glaciers is likely to accelerate melting.” In the meantime however, Gutsell says “We’re getting snowfall events reasonably regularly, so the smoke ash and dirt is getting buried. However once that new snow melts, it does become visible again.” Thankfully there’s been no decrease of tourism in the area, with the company already noting increased awareness from people wanting to visit the glaciers after pictures of the brown slopes went viral in the UK.
Wānaka’s own Aussi Aid Concert Ollie Blyth
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
After we woke up in the new decade to an otherworldly yellow haze in the skies from across the ditch, many are feeling somewhat helpless: how can we help our Aussie cousins? For local actor Jay Simon, this was certainly the case. The answer: a local fundraising ‘Wānaka Aussi Aid’ concert. Simon explained that since posing the idea of a fundraising concert on Facebook early in the week, the idea turned into a large-scale community effort virtually overnight. Roger North, owner of local cafe/bar Kai Whakapai, jumped onboard, offering their outdoor performance area. On top of this, a plethora of local musicians and volunteers ranging from their early teens to their 70’s have banded together in support. With a range of styles, combos, performers, and genres it will be an event for lovers of all kinds of music. Even in the school holiday break, the Mount Aspiring College music department are kindly lending gear for use during the concert. “A lot of people feel frustrated, not sure what they can do,” said Simon, “the concert gives people a chance to get involved. I’m humbled by the support. It will include solos, acoustics, bands, backing, country, folk, pop, and jazz… we have had people trying to jump on board politically and we’re just not interested. We’re strictly concerned with the people.” To catch out all those without cash on the day or those who can’t make it, a givealittle
THURSDAY 09.01.20 - WEDNESDAY 15.01.20
PHOTO: Supplied
Unsure how to help our Australian cousins over the ditch? Head along to Kai Whakapai between 10am4pm this Friday, January 10.
page has been set up to collect donations for the firefighters and animal welfare workers facing the devastation in Australia. At the time of writing, the page has already raised $4,440.00 and Simon sees this going even further on the day of the concert, potentially raising over $10,000 for the cause. The Wānaka Aussi Aid Concert will be held outside Kai Whakapai between 10am-4pm on Friday January 10. For more information on how to donate online, visit the event’s Facebook page (hosted on the Upper Clutha Community Notices page).
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The struggle is real for teaching tango
Crimeline
Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Tango arrived in Wānaka 10 years ago, when the first teacher moved here. She taught other dance styles besides tango, including flamenco. But, like many people, she moved on and once she left, her loyal disciples never abandoned their passion. Stella Senior and Andreas Penckwitt briefly took the teaching mantle but they too left. Wānaka Tango has now been looking for a tango teacher for five years, with no luck other than temporary mentors every now and then. Despite so many immigrants in Wānaka, particularly from Argentina, the group says the struggle is real. Nevertheless, the stubborn students kept practicing through peer learning – learning from each other through a video library. Since the couple quit teaching in town five years ago, Sousa Jefferson has run the group, looking after other learners and offering her place as a venue for the practica. “We always welcome new students and we do our best to help them to learn tango. We have regular teachers coming over for short periods, but it would be great to have a long-term teacher. Last winter we were quite lucky to have a tango teacher from Belgium for eight weeks. Stella will come back in March or April for a few classes. Once or twice a year two very good teachers from Christchurch, an Argentinian and a Kiwi, professional dancer, come over and give us lessons. There is also a group in Queenstown, we regularly get together and dance,” explained Jefferson. The local tango group is not restricted to Wānaka – they
PHOTO: WĀnaka Sun
PHOTO: Supplied
The tango Wānaka group rehearse at Sousa Jefferson’s house.
often travel all over New Zealand to participate in a wide range of tango events. “We take videos at these events, so when we come back to Wānaka, we can practice the steps thanks to our video library. We are organising a trip all together now to the New Zealand Tango Festival that will be held in Wellington in July. We will be learning from a lot of international teachers there. Sometimes we also drive to Christchurch, Dunedin and Nelson for other tango events,” she added. Jefferson highlights the informal social gathering nature of the practica. “At my home locals come to engage with each other and learn together. We do not charge fees. Everybody can come and dance. People don’t have to feel stopped by coming if they haven’t got any partner! They can come alone because everybody dances with everybody. If someone is interested, I would suggest checking the Wānana tango page on Facebook, where it is possible to find further information about when and where we meet,” concluded Jefferson.
Spreading love, a poem at a time Ollie Blyth
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Anyone who went down into town on Christmas morning would have had their hearts lifted by having a look at the heart-shaped messages hung on the lakefront trees. The initiative was the brainchild of Renon Sasaki and the M!NT Charitable Trust, a group devoted to supporting those with intellectual disabilities. Renon’s mother and co-owner of local Japanese restaurant Sasanoki, Yumi Sasaki was a founding member of the charity and explained that, “we help people with intellectual disabilities be part of community events and extracurricular activities as well as long term plans, helping them live independently with a place in their communities.” With permission from council, Renon hung 33 poems up on trees around the lakefront for passers-by to read, in the hope of spreading Christmas love. Some of the messages read: “hang in there, ‘cause everything’s going to be okay;” “you are unique in your own special way and that makes you so beautiful,” and, “a friend is someone who brightens your day with a smile, a warm hello of gentle words from the heart: thank you for your friendship.” M!NT is a small group of four local families working
PHOTO: Supplied
Renon Sasaki spent their Christmas spreading love and joy in a very simple way.
on a voluntary basis to support youth and young adults with additional intellectual needs. Established in 2018 and becoming an incorporated group with charitable status in 2019, the group’s vision is, “strength together to achieve a good life for our children.” Currently, local youth and young adults with additional needs have no or limited access to community events and extracurricular activities and rely on families to seek, organise and fund these opportunities.
Henderson I Ian Senior Constable, NZPD The Xmas-New Year period has passed, and it went reasonably well considering the many people in town and the large volume of traffic on the roads. Rhythm and Alps again went off smoothly without any major incident – thanks to all those involved in making it a success again. Those that attended the Wānaka Rodeo also had a lot of fun on a nice day and there were no issues reported to Police. During the last week or two, the Wānaka Police Station has been inundated with found property so if you have lost anything of value, come in and see Kate and Catherine at the front counter. On December 30 two young guys walking home along Beacon Point Road were accosted by three males and a bag stolen from them. Anyone knowing the three males involved are asked to contact me at the Wānaka Police Station on 443-7272. Between December 29-30 three vehicles parked at an Aubrey Road address were damaged overnight. Anyone knowing who the culprits are can contact the Wānaka Police and quote file-191231/9416. On the subject of damage, local Police and Council were astounded at the number of street signs that were damaged or uprooted around the town over the Xmas/New Year period. Obviously not the work of our local population. On New Year’s Day a custombuilt titanium mountain bike along with a blue cycle helmet were stolen from outside Kai Whaka Pai. If you know their whereabouts then contact Police and we will let the owner reclaim it.
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Over the last couple of weeks a steady flow of drink-drivers have been processed by Police and most are off to court to hand over their driver licences to the Judge. A number of disorder incidents were reported at a couple of the local campgrounds – those involved were kicked out by management so that the families and other more responsible users could get some sleep. Next year we will insist that campground managers deny entry of any groups that have no adult supervision. A number of tents and property were reported stolen from the Albert Town Campground over New Year. Anyone with information as to who was responsible are asked to contact Wānaka Police. On January 2 at 11.50pm two people got into difficulties in the Clutha River near Wicklow Tce in Albert Town. Thanks to the Harbourmaster and Go Jets for helping Police get them to shore alive. A reminder that the Clutha River is running high and it is easy to get into difficulties. On January 3, the local ‘breadman’ was doing his deliveries in the early hours and some plonker stole his crate barrow while he was away from his truck. Anyone knowing where the barrow is are asked to let local Police know so we can get it back to him. A reminder that Police will continue to focus on disorder, speed, drink driving and the wearing of seatbelts while driving. For those that want to party- be considerate of your neighbours, and could dog owners clean up their do-doos and keep control of your pets on the lakefront areas. Have a safe week. Kei te wiki haumaru.
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Hayden Paddon racing at Highlands Emma Conyngham
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Cromwell will play host to the country’s fastest Rush Hour traffic when Speed Works hits town over the weekend of January 18-19 and the field of 25 plus cars for the one-hour race on the Saturday will be a huge weekend highlight. Headed by former World Championship rally winner Hayden Paddon making his circuit racing debut in his Hyundai i30 TCR car, Speed Works’ biggest ever Rush
PAGE 6
Hour field is all set to do battle for 60 minutes around the world class Highlands Motorsport Park facility. Circuit owner Tony Quinn is a spectacular addition to the field in his mighty Mosler GT3 car, but even his extensive circuit knowledge will be put to the test in a high class field that includes 10 Porsches, a number of GT3 and GT4 cars and at least six TCR specification cars. McLaren, Chevrolet, Ginetta, Audi, Mazda, Honda, Porsche, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Toyota, Mosler and Seat are all represented
in the race. A dark horse for overall victory could be Callum Hedge, one of the country's brightest young stars. After achieving notable successes in single seaters in New Zealand and Australia, he's switching to Porsches and has a 991 Cup car at his disposal around a circuit he excels on. With handicapping rules in Rush Hour races favouring drivers who can maintain a pace closest to their qualifying speed, any driver – including Paddon – has an equal chance of winning.
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Natural hazard database gets a makeover Airport animation goes national Emma Conyngham
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: maps.orc.govt.nz
TThe ORC have given their Natural Hazard Database a fresh lick of online paint, and it’s more accessible for anyone with internet connection.
Ollie Blyth
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
The Otago Regional Council (ORC) have recently overhauled their natural hazards database, giving it a completely new look, and making it far more accessible. The online database displays information on flooding, coastal hazards, alluvial fans, landslides, and earthquakes on a map of the region. Since the update, the interactive database is far more intuitive, allowing users to navigate its resources far easier. ORC natural hazards manager Dr. JeanLuc Payan explained that the database is an important source of information for Otago residents, “the hazards database gets a lot of
traffic—between 30,000 and 40,000 views per month – so we’re pleased to have made it a much simpler, clearer experience for users. It’s a really valuable tool for sharing information on natural hazards in Otago.” The original version of the website was launched in 2009 and only once updated in 2012. Eight years on, the database finally has a new lease on life with a number of new, improved features. For those preparing for a potential magnitude eight earthquake in coming years, the database has a tab dedicated to the topic, including information on active faults, earthquake shaking intensity, and liquefaction hazards. Visit the ORC’s Natural Hazard Database at: www.orc.govt.nz/naturalhazardsdatabase.
Red Frog pancakes a hit Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Over New Year’s Eve Red Frogs volunteers were looking after drunk people as helpful guardian angels, for the fourth year in a row. “The Red Frogs group assists Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) with New Year’s celebrations. This year was the third year QLDC has worked with them; they provide a positive presence and help educate young people on safe partying behaviours,” explained Jack Barlow, spokesperson from QLDC. Red Frogs is an international volunteer organisation which exists to safeguard a generation of young people, acting as a positive peer presence empowering them to make positive life choices and become a voice of change. “This year we had 60 volunteers operating for three nights (December 29-31) over the two locations. The first two nights we operated from 7pm - 1am and then on New Year’s Eve our response was from 8pm - 3am,” said Shannon Thomson, a spokesperson from Red Frogs. “In Wānaka over the three nights we gave out approximately 1300 litres of water and well over
PHOTO: Shannon Thomson
Red Frogs volunteers handed out 2500 pancakes over three days.
2500 pancakes,” added Thomson. In both Queenstown and Wanaka the organisation was running chillout/safe zones where patrons could come get free pancakes and water, good banter and general support. “People didn't have to be intoxicated to come to us, they may just want to come hang out, and come by for pancakes and red frog lollies, but if there were people dealing with intoxication, or they or friends had concerns, they could come and receive care and comfort from the Red Frogs volunteers,” said Thomson. Red Frogs acted as a referral service and worked with St John and the police.
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The advocacy animation from Protect Wānaka received 4500 views on their website.
PHOTO: Protect Wanaka
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Protect Wānaka’s animation that dropped onto social media on December 27 has scored a hit, according to Mark Sinclair from Protect Wānaka. “We're delighted with the results of this animation – and grateful for Ian Taylor's generosity in creating it for us at no cost. We wanted to stimulate conversation about the future of Wanaka, and it has certainly done that. The video has featured prominently on high traffic websites of TV3 and TVNZ, as well as Stuff and the Otago Daily Times – and it is likely to have had many thousands of views there,” he said. On Protect Wānaka’s Facebook page, the animation only received a mild 16 comments with 90 shares and 72 emoji responses. On TV3, the item received 102 comments and 16 shares. However, the Protect Wānaka website registered 4500 views of the animation in 10 days. TV3 coverage included commentary on the lack of infrastructure and the idea of taxing tourists to pay for it without mentioning the fact the visitor accommodation levy, which was resoundingly approved by referendum last year, is exactly that. Nonetheless, Sinclair added, “There has been a steady flow of comments and shares online, and we've had hundreds of new sign ups to WSG so far as a result,” said Sinclair. “We'll continue to share the video widely, and also have plans to either update it or create follow up videos as new information emerges.” In response to the animation, Sara Irvine, general manager corporate and community affairs said, “Given that QAC has not at any time put out a formal proposal or plan for the future development of Wanaka Airport, the video released recently is only based on WSG’s [Protect Wānaka’s] speculation.” Mayor Jim Boult was not impressed with the animation. “Statements such as the Council
effectively selling the airport to QAC are blatantly untrue. Equally, declaring that ‘in the next few years Wānaka’s airport is likely to become much bigger than Queenstown’s is now’ demonstrates a complete lack of understanding about the complexity involved or time required to set up any sort of airport operating scheduled commercial flights – large or small,” said Mayor Boult. “This unfounded assertion doesn’t even begin to consider any airline’s readiness to introduce flights which doesn’t happen overnight...The reality is that it takes years of blood sweat and tears to convince an airline of the viability of a new route and more years to plan for its introduction.” “...I have previously responded to the WSG’s interpretation of the investment required which is blown out of proportion and doesn’t consider upfront investment versus ongoing reinvestment funded through the flights themselves, or the spend on non-aeronautical development. “Finally, this animation claims to reflect the plans for Wānaka Airport. That in itself is odd, as I can confirm such plans do not exist. There is no secret masterplan waiting to be unleashed. “The one thing that I can and will confirm from this animation is the statement that everyone needs to get involved in this discussion and help inform the future direction for the Wānaka Airport. We have heard loud and clear from the WSG. But when I visit Wānaka, as I do frequently, I am constantly told that others have a different perspective. In the words of one 40-plus-year resident who I recently spoke to: ‘I’d love to get on a plane here and fly direct to Auckland to see my grandchildren’. So my ask is that all voices out there get involved in this discussion. I would encourage everyone to participate in the engagement as part of the economic and social impact assessments, and when QAC do actually release a draft masterplan with options for the future of Wanaka Airport – let’s all have a well-informed and reasoned debate about facts.”
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PAGE 7
Sun Environment
NATURE by Forest and Bird
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UPPER CLUTHA LAKES TRUST
Wildfire impact on nature a growing global concern As Wānaka awakened from its New Year’s celebrations, our new decade was started in a haze (but not the one we were expecting). The town, along with the rest of the South Island, had been smothered by smoke originating from fires in South East Australia, over 2100km away. Australia is facing unprecedented destruction in its current wildfire emergency. Current estimates put losses at 2,500 buildings (including 1,500 homes) along with six million hectares of land. Tragically this has involved loss of half a billion animals, foremost the loss of 20 human lives with many more missing. It can be expected that the events unfolding in Australia will usher in policy to mitigate the impact of fires on human existence. Preemptive measures and training can be undertaken, planning can be done to avoid placing human settlements in ‘at risk’ areas of rural fire. However, will such steps be sufficient or adaptable enough to account for evolving environmental risk, a result of climate change? Researchers indicate we will likely experience more fires of greater severity in the coming years, highlighting the need for societal reform if we are to manage this growing problem. Put into perspective, an estimated 5,500 hectares is lost to rural fires in New Zealand every year (2019 was 7400ha). Whilst this has catastrophic impact on human existence, the damage on our native flora and fauna often goes untold. The native habitat of our iconic species, such as the kiwi, tui and wood pigeon (kereru) is
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also destroyed as a result of fire. In addressing New Zealand’s own wildfire risk we must design a system that is suited to our way of living and unique ecosystems. There is evidence that rural fire suppression and prevention in some parts of the world increases the future risk associated with wildfire (meaning that in some areas fires are beneficial and a natural process). Controlled burns that have been useful tools for land management are now facing increased scrutiny over suitability. This amongst many other practices will have to be addressed in managing the growing risk of rural fires. When considering our future action, stewardship of the natural world must be a consideration. It is currently the responsibility of Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) and the Department of Conservation (DOC) to fight rural fires. This fire season has seen a collaboration from these two Crown entities to address the impact of human caused fires on New Zealand wildlife. Online and in your local DOC offices, native birds are part of a campaign to raise awareness of responsible behavior and reduction of fire risk, for more information see www.checkitsalright.nz Our prayers and thoughts are with all those impacted by the fires in Australia as we move into 2020. – By Ben Goddard Ben Goddard is regional chairman for Forest and Bird and a volunteer firefighter.
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Community water plan success J Julie Perry
Secretary - Upper Clutha Lakes Trust
After 18 months of effort, our community has delivered an Integrated Catchment Management Plan to improve and maintain the long-term environmental health of the wider Upper Clutha catchment area which encompasses Lake Wānaka, Lake Hāwea and the Clutha, Hāwea and Cardrona Rivers. A catchment is an area which collects rainfall into streams and down into the soil, eventually feeding rivers, lakes and wetlands. The development of this plan is supported by iwi (local whanau and Aukaha), urban residents, tourism operators, visitors, farmers, scientists, Otago Regional Council and Queenstown Lakes District Council. Wide community involvement has ensured that the plan addresses current and future risks to freshwater resources, identifying ways to address existing water issues and prevent any decline in water quality and ecosystem function. The plan sets out the issues affecting water identified by community and the current baseline environment and risks to water quality. It also identifies gaps in knowledge and processes for water management decision making. The
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Phone: 03 443 8000 Top of Helwick Street, Wānaka OPENING HOURS: 8AM TO 8PM 7 DAYS PAGE 8
plan also lays out actions, indicators and responsibilities to achieve its goals. The plan makes clear that successful catchment management will require some changes in the way land and water are managed in the Upper Clutha. Future opportunities include trialling new innovations and technologies that go beyond the traditional way of doing things. The plan also identifies current knowledge gaps and a range of actions to be integrated into Otago Regional Council and Queenstown Lakes District Council plans. Addressing the gaps and taking action requires a collaborative effort by councils and other parties. Water is an essential component of a healthy, vibrant future for the Upper Clutha community. Upper Clutha Lakes Trust congratulates all those who have contributed to the development of the plan over the past 18 months, particularly the Shaping our Future Water Taskforce, Dr Simone Langhans from the University of Otago and Landpro Limited. The Upper Clutha’s Integrated Catchment Management Plan will soon be available for download from uppercluthalatkestrust. org or contact Megan at community@ uppercluthalakestrust.org for more information.
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The Cardrona River, part of the new Integrated Catchment Management Plan.
There is not a great deal left of the grebe breeding season with just six or so weeks remaining, though all being well, it can last through to mid-February This season has had its highs and lows. For instance, I carried out my daily nest check a few days ago and noted that there were 11 grebes in the vicinity of the marina. Of those only a few appeared to have serious intent by way of being on a nest or more importantly, being recorded on a nest for more than two consecutive days. Even that can be misleading, for unless there is evidence of nest building one must trust the record with caution. This last Saturday there were birds on nests,one, two, four, seven and 12. The only ones with a degree of certainty that they will produce chicks are the birds attending nest 12. They have been on the nest for over a week and in a day or so I will physically check the nest for egg numbers. There was however, some really good news and that is the subject of the above illustration of the pair that occupied nest three. All three eggs hatched at about one and a half day intervals and it really was quite wonderful to see three little heads bobbing in and out of the feather “duvet” of the parents back. Unusually for recent hatchings, the adults stayed on the nest in the vicinity of the marina with their chicks for a full day after all had hatched.
THURSDAY 09.01.20 - WEDNESDAY 15.01.20
Three small chicks ride their mother’s back.
PHOTO: supplied
Even better and with the aid of my binoculars, I was able to see a pair of birds with twin chicks just off the Dinosaur Park. I would like to think that they were the progeny of nest seven that hatched mid- December. In the first two years of our study, birds reared their chicks for up to two months of age in the immediate vicinity of the marina. The best we can expect these days is that they do occasionally re-visit their old “paddling” grounds, providing the evidence that chicks are surviving past those first few hazardous days of life. The welcome swallows are back in force. They are nest building under the public over-bridge that houses the fuel pump.
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To drug test or not?
R&A continues not to drug test but enjoyed an issue-free festival.
Caroline Moratti
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Concerns over abnormally high levels of MDMA, of up to triple doses in one pill, were abundant over the festival season. New Zealand drug testing service KnowYourStuff NZ announced that the high dose pill “have been identified in our testing so far this summer season, and are likely to be found around the country over the holiday period” cautioning users of the dangers of overdose. Last year, drugs laced with pesticides and paint were found at Rhythm and Vines. Despite this, Wānaka festival Rhythm and Alps, didn’t drug test this year with Alex Turnbull, R&A Director, saying “because the legislation’s not passed, the local health board, St Johns and Police are not in favour of it.” The legislation Turnbull refers to is the 1975 Misuse of Drugs Act, which makes it illegal for organisers to knowingly permit drug use or allow recreational drugs on their premise. The testing of drugs thus creates an awkward legal grey area. That being said, drug testing does occur around New Zealand, such as in Dunedin’s Orientation
PHOTO: Wānaka Sun archive
week for students. All parties except New Zealand First support a change in legislation, with the Ministry of Health recently giving $59,000 to a study on the effect of drug testing at festivals. If that change were to occur, then Turnbull says R&A would offer the drug testing service, saying: “We’ve been leading the charge on it for years and it’s not a matter of doing it, anyone can do it, but there needs to be certain things put in place first” noting that local police, St Johns and health board would have to be comfortable with the service, but hopes a change can be made within 12 months. If successful, “we need to find a proper company to do it and we’re still looking for that company, it’s probably gonna be an offshore company,” Turnbull notes. Despite no drug-testing this year, R&A enjoyed a problem-free festival with good weather and up to 10,000 attendants. A Police spokesperson confirmed that “no issues were reported at Rhythm and Alps this year. Behaviour at New Year's music festivals across the country this year has generally been good, with a small number of arrests. Primarily these were for disorder-related incidents rather than drugs.”
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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. Letters may be edited or abridged. Letters of no more than 300 words are preferred.
Invest in NZ cherries and reap the rewards Horticultural investment specialist, Hortinvest, is offering investors who are keen to take advantage of Central Otago’s lucrative cherry industry, the chance to buy into an 80-hectare orchard at Lindis River. Cornerstone investors including Lindis Peaks Station’s sheep and beef landowners have already backed this exciting $15.5 million project. Stage one planting of 7,500 trees is complete. Another 28,000 trees will be planted this winter. First harvest is scheduled for 2021-2022. The Lindis River orchard has been specially selected for its elevation, soil, water supply, access to market routes and significant land suitable for future expansion.
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PAGE 9
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JOURNALIST REQUIRED Be part of the small team responsible for producing our popular weekly newspaper. • You will have the relevant journalism qualifications, and a minimum of two years' experience writing for a recognised media organisation. • You will have existing local contacts and the ability to connect with the wider community. • You will also have an eye for community news, strong writing ability and photography skills, and the ability to meet strict deadlines.
Based in Wānaka, this position is for 20 hours per week with an immediate start. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate journalist who enjoys a challenge! If this sounds you, please forward your application with your CV and cover letter to:
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Wanaka Salvation Army Family Store. Opening Hours – Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, Saturday 9.30am – 4pm. We look forward to seeing you here! Donations kindly received. Please drop them into the Salvation Army Family store or ph 443 5068 to book a pick up. Cut rags (100% cotton) and drop cloths, only $7 for a big bag. Now in the yard container at Wastebusters. Open 9-5 seven days. Business Networking International. The Wanaka chapter of BNI meets weekly at 7am Tuesday morning. Great networking opportunity to grow your business. Contact Randal Dobbs for information 021 973 043 Rags, rags, rags ... little ones, big ones, cotton ones and drop cloths, available from the Wanaka Salvation Army Family Store 443 5068.
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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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 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
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We want to hear from you, if you: • Have previous retail manager experience preferably within Pharmacy/or health and wellness-based sector (but not essential) • Have knowledge of pharmaceutical or natural health products would be an advantage • Can lead by example • Are looking for the next step in your retail career
If this is you, we want to hear from you today! Please apply with a CV and covering letter to
Aaron Heath Wānaka Pharmacy, PO Box 45, Wānaka or email: aaron@pembroke.co.nz
OPENING HOURS: 8AM TO 8PM 7 DAYS THURSDAY 09.01.20 - WEDNESDAY 15.01.20
4pm Friday prior to publication. adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz 021 786 740 5pm Monday prior admin@thewanakasun.co.nz $175 within NZ (including GST) Overseas rates on request. Remittances to PO Box 697, Wānaka, NZ.
THE WĀNAKA SUN
Sun Views / Classifieds
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Wānaka wrong to snob vaping this summer Queenstown Lakes District Council’s move to ban vaping in Wānaka* is sadly based on snobbery not scientific evidence. The council is to be congratulated for hitting cigarette smoking and introducing a three-month smoke-free trial this summer. However, including vaping in the ban is misguided and only stigmatises the best smoking cessation tool New Zealand has ever had. QLDC claims that vaping creates second-hand smoke issues, is smelly and offensive, while the Mayor says it’s all about helping the district become smoke-free. Sadly, by confusing vaping with smoking, they’re only hindering, not helping, national progress on New Zealand’s Smoke Free 2025 ambition. Alarmingly, the council seems to have based its decision on how vaping looks. They clearly don’t realise that if they want local and visiting smokers to quit tobacco, they actually have to enable vaping, not demonise it. Vaping is the most effective way for smokers to quit tobacco and international research shows it has no second-hand impact on others, so what’s the problem? Switching from smoking to vaping has substantial health benefits and is key to achieving Smoke Free 2025 – something the Ministry of Health, Health Promotion Agency, health pressure group ASH, Quitline New Zealand, and public health leader Hapai Te Hauora all openly acknowledge. While last year the Associate Health Minister, Jenny Salesa, launched a ‘vape-to-quit-smoking’ website as part of a concerted public information campaign. It’s a real worry then that a key element of the national smokefree strategy is still not understood by many of our city and district councils. By treating smoking and vaping the same and by putting their personal views first, places like Wānaka are banishing the best tool they have to eliminate the dangers of tobacco in their community. Regards, Jonathan Devery Spokesperson for the Vaping Trade Association of New Zealand (VTANZ). *The vaping ban is only on the lakefront from Dinosaur Park to Dungarvon Street, not all of Wānaka. (Editor)
EMPLOYMENT
An excellent opportunity has arisen for a trustworthy and reliable Maintenance 2IC at Wanaka Hotel Applications from Long Term Residents Only
Wānaka’s housing market makes ‘money-grubbing respectable’ Wānaka has a new supermarket which will employ 200 people when fully staffed. Earning an average of $20 an hour, many of these new employees will be stunned to learn that locally, $600 per week is not an unusual asking price for rental accommodation. Even the most highly paid employee is unlikely to earn enough to qualify for a house deposit loan. Yet if they owned two houses as well as the one they lived in they’d get a loan like a shot. Unaffordable housing is a chronic problem and not only in Wānaka. Discussions are taking place in California, Berlin and London to solve the accommodation crisis by freezing rents. Critics maintain that such a well-intentioned policy won’t work, it will simply depress supply and encourage the deterioration of rental properties. The same entrenched voter argument turned the current government off a proposal to introduce asset sales tax. Even if this do-nothing argument has some validity, it conveniently maintains the status quo for those who benefit from it. One answer, since investment in residential property is a proven money-maker, is for large employers to build apartment blocks for employees. But only desperation would make that happen and it is not the employers but their workers who are desperate. The next bet would seem to be the government, but KiwiBuild homes in the Northlake development priced at around $645,000 were more insult than solution. Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust executive officer Julie Scott said, "They're a little bit overpriced for what they are in terms of their value compared to what's available on the open market." She also noted “teachers, nurses, police, tradespeople, bar staff, retail management – everyone who's on pretty much less than $100,000 household income,” cannot get into the housing market. The market has made money-grubbing respectable. It gives us crass updates on the greed index with comments like this in the ODT: “Otago property punters are upbeat about the housing market for 2020...expecting average house prices to increase in the next 12 months.” It makes you wonder if we’d get the same gloating commentary on the price of food in a famine. The market’s message to the working poor and everyone else on Julie Scott’s list is: “You don’t count. I don’t care. Have a nice day.” We have become conditioned to accept the market’s unconscionable discrimination against those in genuine need of affordable accommodation. New Zealand has become a nation of landlords with far too much influence on the health and welfare of too many people. The mad, out of control market, therefore, must be hobbled. The solution requires the combined efforts of central and local government with the local initiative leading the way. It is time the Mayor, QLDC and Wānaka Community Board gave fairness a chance by thinking and acting on behalf of people shut out of the housing market. Specifically, with government backing, borrow as many millions as it takes to solve the problem. If land-banking is a barrier, use a compulsory purchase order. If lack of builders is a barrier use a Chinese company with modular housing expertise. Build terraced houses and apartments for rent, rent to buy, and for sale at a price that challenges the exorbitant market price. Let the market play in the mega-home sector and leave the provision of ordinary housing to people who care. Once the authorities have made a decision to act they should hand the project over to the Community Housing Trust. Being sensitive to the primary needs of people before profit is hardly new thinking. Even children know it’s the right way to behave. Yet the fact that it will take courage to implement such a change of thinking makes you wonder how distorted our values have become. Christopher Horan Lake Hāwea.
The position will involve general maintenance around the Hotel, including repairs & maintenance on the hotel rooms, paint touch ups, basic plumbing, cleaning of the carpark building and rubbish areas . You will need to be physically fit, a self starter and not afraid of getting your hands dirty. Previous experience with building & grounds maintenance, carpentry, & plumbing would be advantageous General knowledge of New Zealand work, health, and safety. Your main duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Responsible to maintain the hotel buildings, machinery and equipment through carrying out scheduled routine checks.
• Collaborate with the Maintenance Manager to respond and provide resolution to
all planned and unplanned maintenance issues in an efficient and timely manner.
• Clean and declutter the garden area while ensuring the safety of guests and staff.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with a natural ability to effectively communicate to a diverse audience.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritise and organise your varying work load.
This position would be 32 hours over 4 days, Tuesday to Friday. You must be able to work well in a team and enjoy variety as no 2 days are the same.
If you are looking for a new challenge, starting in the new year, email your CV through now to jo@wanakahotel.co.nz or drop into Wanaka Hotel Reception. Applications close 26th January 2020.
THE WĀNAKA SUN
THURSDAY 09.01.20 - WEDNESDAY 15.01.20
PHOTO: Wānaka sun archive
PAGE 11
Sun Sport
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New category at 2020 Ruby Swim edition
Adam Hall took silver and bronze and Mammoth Mountain.
PHOTO: Wānaka Sun archive
Hall takes silver and bronze Emma Conyngham
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
It was medals all round for the NZ team competing at the World Para Alpine Ski races at Winter Park in Colorado last week with Corey Peters (New Plymouth) winning both Super-G races in the men’s sitting category, Adam Hall (Wānaka) claiming second and third in the standing category and sit skier Aaron Ewen (Tuakau) a third place. Despite the challenges of fresh snow, cold temperatures and flat light, Corey Peters said, “today felt really good, managing to put down two consistent runs and take out both races.” Corey said he is “pretty stoked
Last year’s event trialled the swim for people with intellectual disabilities – this year it is an official event category.
on the early season consistency both in Mammoth Mountain preChristmas and here in Winter Park.” Corey scored four podium placings at the North America Cup series at Mammoth Mountain in December, with Adam also on the podium, with a third-place finish. “I’m pleased to get some successful early season racing done before moving on to focus on some quality training,” said Hall after the race. The team will compete again in the USA next month before travelling to Europe for their pinnacle events, the WPAS World Cups in Norway and Sweden, in March.
Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
A new category has been created for the 2020 Ruby Swim for those with intellectual disabilities. The new category aims to give everybody a chance to have a go, whether they’re a natural fish or just like to paddle. The event, which will be held on January 25, involves a 100m course along the shore line to the official finishing chute, ensuring all participants leave with a trophy. Local Wānaka group, M!NT Charitable Trust, who aims to create brighter futures for those with additional needs, will be lending a helping hand
and recruiting volunteers for 2020 to kick-start some awesome initiatives. “Last year, Eddie Spearing and Jaime Norman of Ruby Swim arranged a special event so that our kids, and others in the community, could participate. This year, The Ruby has gone further and has now created an official event for those with intellectual disabilities. We are trying to get the word out to the local community that this event is open — we don't know of any other open water swimming event in the country which caters for those with intellectual disability. To put that into a global perspective, there is a 1,500m open water swimming event at the Special Olympics,” said Claire O’Connell, spokesperson from M!NT
PHOTO: Supplied
Charitable Trust. Spearing said creating the category was an obvious decision. “There was already a swim squad for these young people operating at the pool run by the parents and one of the lifeguards and it just evolved into the squad swimming in the open water lake. It was really an experiment at last year's event as much as anything. So this year, it's a full event just like any of the others. This year, one of the M!NT swimmers has entered the 600m event over to the island, with full individual support. He was really strong last year, emerging with a gleam in his eye and his parents think he can do the 600m swim this year, but we will make that decision on the day. No pressure.”
72 sections now under contract
REAL ESTATE
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Wanaka THURSDAY 09.01.20 - WEDNESDAY 15.01.20
THE WĀNAKA SUN