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Dougal Allan was crowned king of Sticky Forest on Saturday after winning the men’s open mountainbike category.

See story page 12.

of the forest Speed limit change page 3

Beauty and despair page 4 photo: wanaka.tv

Council jobs reviewed Caroline Harker

Buff weka back to the island page 9

Waterski comp page 16

rental listings

sunclassifieds

page 15

Some of the QLDC’s 200-plus staff will be concerned about their job security as the council’s Organisational Review gets underway. CEO Adam Feeley ordered the review and has given it ‘top priority’. It is looking at cost cutting measures across the council (including Lakes Leisure and Lakes Environmental). Adam spoke to the Wanaka Residents’ Association earlier this month and acknowledged the review could include some redundancies.

“The whole purpose of the review is to deliver services which are both improved and more cost-effective,” he said. “I am confident we can deliver on both fronts.”

Public were excluded from hearing a report on the review at the monthly council meeting on Tuesday, ironically the first day a Wanaka librarian was behind the desk in the council’s Wanaka office working in customer service.

Adam said any staff vacancies will be covered by internal staff where possible, while the review is taking place. “We are making effective use of all our staff resources in Wanaka to cover temporary gaps in customer services,” he said.

In the Organisational Review terms

and political issue and the libraries emerged unscathed.

Earlier this month QLDC Library Services Manager Adele Hewlett reported to the Community Services Committee that compared to other libraries around the country the QLDC libraries have high numbers

An organisation review is an internal matter and one to be consulted between management and staff. of reference document, libraries are listed among the ‘primary’ areas of focus (along with infrastructure, corporate and regulatory services, planning, and parks and recreation facilities).

When the Dunedin City Council considered budget cuts to public libraries, including reduced opening hours (in 2010), it became a public

of members and high readership, with comparable overhead costs.

The Wanaka Library has the most issues of all libraries in the district.

Deputy Mayor Lyal Cocks said the report showed local libraries are being used more in the electronic age than previously.

“We have 24,000 library members across the district,” he said. “Libraries

are our civic centres. As with anything there is always room for improvement.

Librarians will feed into the review. It comes down to what level of service the public want.”

The five-person review team is chaired by Peter Winder, former Chief Executive of both Local Government NZ and the Auckland Regional Council.

The team will release draft reports to staff in April and they will be able to make submissions. The reports will not be made public.

“An organisation review is an internal matter and one to be consulted between management and staff,” Adam said. “It is not a review on whether we deliver services (that remains unchanged) but rather how we deliver them. That is a matter for me as Chief Executive to determine.”

Council staff are not allowed to speak to the media about the review.

sunnews

Look both ways

inbrief

Wanaka Primary School’s youngest students are taking part in a Safe Walking Programme organised by the police and the council. The programme encourages children to be more aware of their own personal safety and improve their road sense.

“They are learning about the hazards they’re likely to encounter as young pedestrians, and being reminded they should always walk

Additional councillor for Dunstan The Local Government Commission has upheld the Otago Regional Council’s decision to increase the number of councillors from 11 to 12 by adding an additional member to the Dunstan constituency.

“With so much growth and development in the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts, the new councillor will be able to help ensure those communities are well represented,” ORC chairman Stephen Woodhead said.

The Dunstan constituency’s representation will increase from two councillors to three, while the Moeraki, Molyneux, and Dunedin constituencies retain one, two, and six councillors respectively.

The changes take effect from the local government elections.

Sold-out shows About 20 percent of Festival of Colour tickets, which went on sale to the public on Monday, have been sold and the Wanaka performances of Black Grace, Salon and Songs to Leave Behind have already sold out. General Manager Lindsey Schofield said it had been a great day at the box office but there were still plenty of tickets left for those wanting to attend the eclectic mix of theatre, art, dance, conversation and music.

with an adult,” QLDC transport manager Denis Mander said. Tips will also be given on safety around school buses, and drop-off areas.

Pictured on the programme are teacher Laetitia de Vries, QLDC School Travel Plan Coordinator Kirsty Barr, five-year-old pupils Sky Watson, Blaise Lockie, Celeste Rumore and Kiana Babbington and Wanaka Police Constable Phil Vink.

photo: caroline harker

Rural mail services at risk Caroline Harker Rural people would suffer the most from a reduction of mail delivery to three days a week, according to a NZ Post report, and local rural delivery contractors are keen for people to make submissions on the proposal.

“Rural delivery contractors are a lifeline to rural communities,” Rural Delivery Contractors Association executive officer Ray Oakley said. Examples of services they provide beyond letter mail include the delivery and pickup of parcels, courier items, newspapers, circulars, groceries, urgent medical

supplies, vet supplies, vehicle parts, farming supplies and notices for schools and community groups. NZ Post has acknowledged that if rural contracts were not paid to

as daily contact with sick or elderly customers, noting any suspicious behaviour in the area, helping emergency services, the phone call given to a local farmer to say there

Rural delivery contractors are a lifeline to rural communities. deliver mail five or six days a week, “those other goods would not be able to be carried without extra payments to drivers, whether by the provider, the receiver, or otherwise.”

Ray said contractors also offer a social service, “such

are stock on the road, the eye kept on things when someone is away.”

At least four contractors cover the Upper Clutha rural delivery areas. Phil and Sue McNeill have 820 delivery points in the outlying Wanaka area

from Cardrona to the airport to Hawea. Sue said it wouldn’t be economic for them to run the service for any less than five days a week. (They currently run a six-day service.)

“The volume of letters has dropped, [NZ Posts says by 25 percent since 2002] but people are purchasing online and there are a lot more parcels,” she said. “We service a lot of businesses at the airport and a lot of home businesses. We have a lot of oversize freight and we often take it up long driveways to houses. People appreciate that,” she said.

Submissions on the proposal are due by March 12.

Duck itch detective Tim Brewster

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A “labour of love” involving parasites, snails in Bremner Bay and, recently, human guinea pigs, may determine a method to avoid duck itch.

Doctor Norman Davis spent ten years earning his doctorate in Zoology by studying the parasites which cycle between lymnaeid snails and the New Zealand scaup he found in the lake across the road from the family bach.

Using a home-made dredge he has collected literally thousands of snails over the past three decades, inspecting them for the presence of the parasite Trichobilharzia longicauda which get into the bloodstream of birds before they lay their eggs, and which are expelled by the bird into water.

One major finding during the project was a second parasite, T. regenti, which also causes the itch but which uses the bird’s peripheral nerves to migrate to the brain and nasal passages where it deposits eggs which are then expelled into water to continue its life cycle.

Once in the water the eggs hatch and the parasites find snails where they multiply and develop into thousands of microscopic cercariae (think of clear fork-

photo: tim brewster

tailed tadpoles) which are shed in the summer to swim to the lake surface to find their scaup host and continue their life cycle.

Humans just get in the way when wading or swimming in the lake and it is these parasites which are killed by the immune system in human skin. The “mopping up” process at the entry site of each parasite causes the fiery itch.

Scratching can cause bacterial infection as well.

This past summer he has been working on testing the theory that some sunscreens with repellent may deter the parasites.

Using a crew of volunteers with whom he made contact through

the Wanaka Lake Swimmers, Norman has spent the past few weeks keeping infected snails alive so he can extract the parasites and put them on the volunteers’ forearms previously coated with different sunscreens.

Due to the logistics of the experiment he has only managed to process ten volunteers and plans to return next year to test some more. Ideally, volunteers should have experienced duck itch before because their immune systems are “primed” to recognise the parasites and results are evident within hours of infection. People who have never had duck itch may not even show a response

Thursday 28 February to Wednesday 06 March 2013

the first time they encounter it.

However, their immune systems will have been alerted and a second encounter should result in the response we all dread.

So, if you have experienced the fiery itch shortly after wading or swimming in the lake, you probably have had a first encounter which went unnoticed.

Two sunscreens, “Safe Sea”, which was developed to deter jelly fish and “Health E”, which has the insect repellent DEET in it, appear to be effective in preventing or reducing duck itch.

The itch is considered to be an emerging public health problem in recreational lakes in Europe and is damaging tourist economies, he said.

Much of his work has been self-funded using the kitchen table in his bach as a makeshift research lab.

He has received moral support from a research group at the Zoology Department at Otago University and a colleague at the University of New Mexico, but he said the project was mainly “a labour of love” to find a way to combat the itch which he and his family have been affected by since they started summering at Bremner Bay in the 1970s.

sunnews Festival now a charity The NZ Mountain Film Festival has officially been transformed into a non-profit registered charitable trust. Festival director Mark Sedon will continue to organise and operate the annual festival, supported by the Board of Trustees, which is holding its 11th festival from July 5 to 9 in Wanaka.

photo: tim brewster

Speed limits change Motorists are being asked to pay close attention to signage when new speed limits come into force on various roads around the district this Friday.

The changes were adopted by Council on December 18, 2012, and mostly involve reductions in the existing speed limits. QLDC transport manager Denis Mander said people will need to be alert. “Signage will be going up over the next week so it should be quite obvious to people who use those roads regularly where a change will be taking place,” he said. “All motorists should be checking

signs and making sure they’re driving to the correct limit.”

The new speed limit signs to look out for are on Hawea’s Esplanade Reserve, Aubrey Road

In the Mount Barker area the following roads will all have a new speed limit: Ballantyne Road, Faulks Road, Mount Barker Road, Boundary Road, Morris Road and

All motorists should be checking signs and making sure they’re driving to the correct limit. and Outlet Road, the Old Racecourse Road and Ewing Place in Albert Town, Cardrona Valley Road, Orchard Road, Studholme Road (south) and Ballantyne Road west of Riverbank Road.

Maxwell Road.

Constable Peter Reed said police will be on patrol in some of these areas: “Our aim initially will be to educate people on the changes but any highly excessive speeds will be ticketed.”

Fancy dress bikes raise funds The children at Holy Family School were joined by Dougal Allan on Tuesday when they dressed up their bikes to raise funds for Caritas, an agency working for a world free of poverty and injustice through community development, advocacy, education, and emergency relief.

Thursday 28 February to Wednesday 06 March 2013

photo: nikki heath

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sunnews

inbrief Blair defends title Champion excavator operator Blair Duncan will defend his National Excavator Operator title in the Manawatu next month. The Wanaka man won the title on his third attempt and, as current champion, he is automatically entered into this year’s final, organised by the New Zealand Contractors’ Federation, which will be held at Central Districts Field Days from March 7-9. He will face ten other regional champions and undergo two days of rigorous construction, planning and loading challenges designed to test their operator skills and industry knowledge.

Beauty and despair Caroline Harker A photograph by a Wanaka filmmaker is being exhibited at the Royal Geographical Society in London from April 10. It is from a video by Richard Sidey called “Speechless - A Disappearing World” which he shot in the Arctic in July 2012.

“It shows an enormous glacial calving occurring in front of a starving polar bear, unable to hunt due to the lack of sea ice

in the arctic last year,” Richard said. “2012 was the lowest on record by a long shot.”

Richard’s work was chosen to be one of 60 in the Environmental Photographer of the Year Exhibition which is run by CIWEM (Chartered Institution of Environmental and Water Management). The exhibition is intended to be a thoughtprovoking display of outstanding environmental, social and natural photographs.

“These photographs and video are some of the most powerful images anyone will ever see,” CIWEM Executive Director Nick Reeves said.

“They tell a compelling and breathtaking range of stories on the environment and the conditions in which we live.

Shock and awe, beauty and despair – it’s all there.”

There were 3000 entries for the exhibition. Richard is currently filming in Antarctica. photo: richard sidey

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sunnews

Senior citizens more secure Tim Brewster The future of the Upper Clutha Senior Citizens seems more secure following some successful funding applications.

The group currently has about 60 members and now has funding for their coordinator, former Christchurch woman Vivienne Fitzgerald (pictured).

Vivienne has been helping the group for the past year, but can now plan activities for the group with more surety she said. “It’s mainly social. We have about ten outings a year.” Outings for the members who

photo: tim brewster

are mainly living independently include trips to Makarora and Cromwell, listening to speakers, and luncheons. Vivienne said the outings are very popular and she’s been enjoying her role. After moving here from Christchurch with her husband and young family two years ago, she said she wanted to get involved with a community group after the help they received when they moved down. “I’m a big one for payback. I am very grateful for the help I received.”

She said the social side of the club makes a big difference to a number of its members who live

alone and have limited transport options.Whileshehasbeeninvolved with the Salvation Army and school groups she said it has been challenging at times working with “ a different demographic.”

“I feel quite protective. There are some very special people here.

They’ve seen a lot and have been through a lot.”

Vivienne is anticipating the numbers of the group will grow with the increasing number of retired people in the area.

“Funding is an ongoing issue, but at least we have a bit of a leg-up.”

Long term plan for Tarras irrigation The Otago Regional Council (ORC) has voted to amend its 2012-22 Long Term Plan (LTP) to include a proposed investment in the Tarras irrigation scheme.

When councillors considered the issue, ORC chairman Stephen Woodhead said the consensus was that the community and environmental benefits associated with the proposal offered a compelling case to include it in the LTP. Stephen said the financial risks are not considered excessive,

and more certainty would be provided by the ORC conditions associated with the proposal.

scheme through the purchase of redeemable preference shares and to contribute to fixed charges

Should the scheme proceed there will be enough water to supply local farms, and leave more residual water in the Lindis River.

Tarras Water Ltd has asked the council to make an initial investment of $3.5 million in the

for five years after the scheme is commissioned.

“The Lindis is a water-short

inbrief Cycle trip promotes charities Dean Karlyn Connolly travelled through Wanaka on Tuesday, just 1800km through his 6100km cycle trip, Cycle 4 life 2. The aim of his journey is to raise awareness for children’s charities in New Zealand. He said he is trying to raise awareness for all children’s charities by asking people to promote the charities or donate time or money directly to their favourite charity. It should take him 96 days to complete his cycle trip around the North and South Islands which started in Picton at the beginning of February and will finish in Wellington in May.

area, and the future of sound environmental management, farming and the local economy is based on the availability of reliable water. The irrigation scheme will bring certainty of supply and support the transition from deemed permits, when they expire in 2021, to resource consents. This means that, should the scheme proceed there will be enough water to supply local farms, and leave more residual water in the Lindis River,” Stephen said.

Thursday 28 February to Wednesday 06 March 2013

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sunnews

gardentips

from Dr Compost

Do nutrients grow on trees?

Have you ever thought about the nutrient cycles in nature? A tree grows, leaves fall, decay, and feed the soil.

The tree eventually dies and over time its wood also decays, feeding the soil and ensuring the continuation of its ecosystem.

Although we depend on the natural world, at some point we have removed ourselves from the basic cycles of nature. We grow food; we consume the food; we then use the toilet and flush away one lot of potentially valuable nutrients. Another lot

few days put your food scraps into the trench and cover with at least 15cm of soil. You can plant on this spot in a few weeks.

Decomposition can take a while, but who cares? You can’t see them and they’ll be feeding your veggies for months to come.

Set-up costs: None; Ongoing costs: None.

Bokashi Buckets: This system speeds up the composting of the food scraps with the help of biological friends contained in the compost-zing. It is

Use a fork to mix up the new ingredients together and to mix them with the old. Add some water and cover with an old sack or piece of carpet.

When the bin or bay is full, either cover and leave or turn once and leave to mature. Add some tiger worms for even better results. Once you have them, they will hang around and move between piles.

When starting a new pile, include some finished compost or partially composted mix from your old pile. You’re introducing

some of our biological friends to help speed up the process. Keep black bins out of full sun over the summer months, and keep an eye on moisture levels. No moisture, no composting.

Set-up costs: Black plastic bin $60 upwards, QLDC subsidises half the $197 cost of Earthmaker composters; Ongoing costs: None.

Ben Elms (aka Dr Compost) gives advice and runs workshops as part of the Dr Compost project to encourage home composting and reduce waste, funded by Queenstown Lakes District Council.

What to do in March Hopefully you are reaping the rewards of all that spring time effort.

Sowing and planting photo: supplied

of potentially valuable nutrients - food scraps goes into the rubbish bin in many households which ends up in the landfill. Out of sight, out of mind, until the hole fills up and we are left with another legacy to deal with. In the meantime, methane is released into the atmosphere as organic material breaks down, contributing to global warming.

This is the easiest nutrient cycle for us to close. There are several options available, but today we’re looking at ones with a minimal cost.

Trenching: Dig a 1m trench in your garden bed (30cm wide by 40cm deep). Every

growing in popularity with home gardeners as it is easy to use, doesn’t smell and has the added bonus of adding beneficial biology to our garden.

Set up costs: $74 for two buckets and a bag of compost-zing, available from the QLDC office; Ongoing cost: $7 for bag of compost-zing every 3-4 months.

Plastic compost bin or wooden pallet bays: Following cold-composting principles, this is a low energywaytomakecompost (minimal turning). Add food scraps every few days plus some carbon (shredded cardboard or newspaper, straw or dry grass clippings).

Now is the time to plant those autumn and winter greens and veggies, like kale, silverbeet, rocket, brassicas, mizuna and mibuna.

Sneak in some late crops: try growing some more carrots and beetroots for a late autumn or winter harvest. If we have a long glorious autumn, you will be well rewarded.

Plant some seedlings from the garden centre.

I often buy seedlings when time or inclination aren’t on my side, it’s a cost-effective way of growing healthy food.

Mulching Mulch up your veggie beds if you haven’t already to stop them drying out. Materials you can use to mulch include cardboard, paper, straw, seed-free weeds, grass clippings, seaweed, small garden clippings.

Composting Don’t give up on those food scraps, they are great nutrients for the garden just waiting to be used.

Thursday 28 February to Wednesday 06 March 2013

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sunnews

Buff weka back to the island Caroline Harker The buff weka breeding programme on Te Peka Karara (Stevenson’s Island) is back on track following a rabbit poisoning programme over the last four years.

Two breeding pairs are now in the island’s aviary and they will be released into the wild in a few weeks.

The programme was started in 2001 and more than 150 chicks were transferred to Mou Waho Island and islands on Lake Wakatipu. They have now multiplied to more than 400.

The breeding programme was put on hold after a boom in rabbit numbers on the island in 2009 attracted predators, which killed four buff weka living there. DOC Community Relations Manager Annette Grieve said the predators (ferrets and stoats) had probably swum out to the island to feed on the rabbits, but found the birds were easier prey. The rabbits have now been eradicated and the island is predator-free.

The breeding programme is part of the Buff Weka Translocation Project - a joint initiative

between DOC and Ngai Tahu Papatipu Runaka o Otago.

Te Peka Karara is only used for breeding; partly because it is just 150m from the mainland, making it susceptible to predators. The original buff weka on the island came from the Chatham Islands and were the first on the New Zealand mainland since 1920.

Annette said dogs are not allowed on Te Peka Karara and owners of dogs which injure or kill protected wildlife are liable to fines of up to $10,000.

More drink driving, disgruntled female walking and stolen fruit Last Friday a male was arrested for deliberately setting off a fire alarm. He was charged with the offence and faces a court appearance. A 28-year-old male will face a court appearance for damaging an irrigation system on Meadowstone Drive. He was arrested last Friday.

On Saturday afternoon a search and rescue crew was deployed to the Niger stream where a canyoner had injured his lower back. The man went to Wanaka Medical Centre for treatment.

photo: doc

More partnerships and less staff for DOC Caroline Harker The 22 full-time Department of Conservation staff in Wanaka will soon hear if they still have jobs.

Restructuring of the department began over a year ago, first at head office, then in the conservancies and in April it is the area offices’ turn.

Wanaka Area Manager Paul Hellebrekers said changes are already underway. DOC is working on more collaboration and partnerships with businesses,

photo: doc

crimescene

iwi and the wider community.

“We are transforming how we work so that, with others, we can achieve more,” he said.

Paul said DOC Wanaka already has 22 ‘memorandums of understanding’ with different groups which work with DOC. “These include businesses such as EcoWanaka and the Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground, groups such as Forest and Bird and the Luggate community group, and individuals.”

A recent initiative is a

partnership with Aspiring Guides which is helping trap predators in the Upper Wilkin Valley. Staff and volunteers have installed 20 stoat and rat traps in the area. Guides check the traps with their clients, who learn a bit about conservation of native birds.

Aspiring Guides company owner Andy Oxley (pictured with volunteer Ket Hazledine) said the company also had assistance from Wilkin River Jets to access the area.

A disgruntled, alcohol-fuelled, 60-year-old female, who set off along State highway 6 and refused to be taken home by police, spent Saturday night under a bush in Albert Town after she fell out with her husband. She was picked up by her husband the next morning.

On Saturday a male was processed for drink driving after police came across his car straddling a fence post at the junction between Hawea’s Muir Road and Cemetery Road. He blew almost three times the legal limit and will face a court appearance.

School children have been caught taking fruit from trees on private property at Lakeside Road. Police warn this is theft and needs to stop.

If you have information on any crimes call 0800CRIMESTOPPER (0800555111).

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Thursday 28 February to Wednesday 06 March 2013

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sunnews Giveaway winner

Bike club heads north

Scott Poole won last week’s Wanaka Sun giveaway: a double pass to day four (Saturday March 9) of the first test match between the Black Caps and England at the Dunedin University Oval.

Tim Brewster Members of the Wanaka Motorcycle Club have just returned from an 11-day North Island tour. Pictured here outside Whangamomona Hotel

en route to New Plymouth are Malcolm Papworth, ride organiser Mark Dick, Big Kevin, Richard Taal, John Bedfors, Pete Cleveland, Ron Lippers, Woody McMartin, Malcolm Howden, John

Herbert, Max Dickson and Brendon Voyce.

The riders travelled up the East Coast to the East Cape and Coromandel before heading across the Hauraki Plains and back down south. photo: supplied

concertreview Women of Note An appreciative audience enjoyed a superb piano concert on Sunday February 24 in the Armstrong Room. The performer was Sandra Crawshaw, an accomplished musician who is usually seen and heard as the leader of the second violins in the Southern Sinfonia but she is a consummate piano concert performer.

Sandra described her growing interest in the compositions of some female musicians who enjoyed

amazing professional careers but whose work has been largely ignored by the music world. The program included sparkling works

by Clara Wieck, who later married the composer Robert Schumann, and Cecile Chaminade whose piece, “The Flatterer”, sold four million copies of the sheet music in her own lifetime.

After the interval Sandra played music by the American composer Amy Beach. The music

was challenging but Sandra gave a passionate performance of all aspects. She finished the evening talking about her love of ragtime music and played “the Blue Ribbon Rag” by May Aufdeheide.

Any doubts about the appeal of works by women composers quickly vanished as this very talented performer brought these wonderful works to life.

- Dennis Pezaro

Sports awards deadline There are just two days left for people to get their nominations in for this year’s House of Travel Central Otago Sports Awards.

Awards co-ordinator Bill Godsall said a good number of entries had already been received, with some top-class athletes nominated, but he knew of several athletes who had not

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yet been nominated. He would be chasing them up this week, but was also reminding clubs, coaches and managers to ensure their top sportspeople had been nominated.

“It’s very important for people to give us nominations for their club or sport so their sport at least has a chance to be recognised.”

The judging panel, led

by Central Otago District Mayor Tony Lepper, will go through all of the nominations to choose the top five in each of the categories - senior sportsman and woman, junior sportsman and woman, team and coach - which will then go forward to be judged in their respective category. The winner of each category will

Thursday 28 February to Wednesday 06 March 2013

then vie for the supreme award. A services to sport award is chosen by the judges and will also be presented on the night.

The awards ceremony will be held at the Rydges Lakeland Resort in Queenstown on April 5.

See sunspots for details

sunviews

TXT MESSAGE

BOARD Now that all the non rate payers have left town do u think the gravel road down to the rodeo grounds could b graded back to the condition it was in before Xmas?

I DON’T NEED NO ONE 2 REMIND ME OF MY AGE. I HAVE A BLADDER 2 DO THAT 4 ME Why is petrol in wanaka 7 cents more than queenstown? And diesel 13 cents more than tekapo?

A massive thank u to the wonderful person who took my beautiful, but slightly goofy pup from the outlet to Aspiring Vets wed- ur worth ur weight in gold!

Thank you for the person with the jet boat who totally ruined everybody’s experience in roy`s bay last Saturday. What a friggin racket!

Council take note!

‘Its time to teach our kids early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength` Maya Angelou What an appalling and disgusting state our visitors found the public toilets at the bottom of Mc dougal Street last weekend.

Come on Wanaka and QLDC-a disgrace Nearly lost my car down a pot hole trying to park at the community pool.

To the idiots who think its funny to knock over all the road cones at the roundabout - GROW UP! It’s dangerous and actually immature. I nearly had an accident there.

The views expressed in the text board and in the Letters to the Editor are those of the author alone and not necessarily those of the Wanaka Sun.

TXT THE WANAKA SUN

021 986 786

editorial What can we expect from the QLDC organisational review? Details of much of the process of the review will not be made public.

Council employees have been told not to comment, even though it may be their jobs on the line, which could affect overall morale.

While there have been improvements in the communication and approach to customer service by organisations like Lakes Environmental there is still a strong negative perception about the excessive amounts of paperwork, rules and expense to get permission to build a home or set up a commercial venture.

The contracting out of services and use of consultants can also create a skewed view of Council’s operations.

Perhaps it is this perception that needs to change before residents can be expected to get behind the council and have faith in its proposals for change.

Planting Trees for Birds Recently there has been a bit of debate around Wanaka about the merits of planting native trees versus their often more colourful, exotic relations. Personally I am a big fan of natives but I also love some of the exotic trees, especially smoke bush which has such fantastic autumn colours.

There is another very good reason, however, for planting exotic species and that is to provide winter feed, in the form of nectar, for our native birds. Sadly, our forests are not well endowed with winter-flowering plants and the few that we have are often targeted by possums.

Many people will have noticed the huge influx of tuis to Wanaka township last winter. One person swears there were 50 feeding and squabbling in gum trees near Mount Aspiring College. Other gums near Waterfall Creek and Studholme Road were also favourites with both tui and bellbird.

Over the last few years a Landcare research team has been conducting an extensive study of tui movements around Hamilton in an effort to answer why there are lots of tuis there in winter but very few in summer. As well as spending lots of time observing tui feeding patterns, the research team also attached radio transmitters to their tail feathers to track where they were going.

They found that large numbers of tuis were descending on Hamilton in winter to feed predominately on banksia integrifolia, camellias, flowering cherries and eucalypts (gum trees) plus native kowhai. But come spring the birds radiated out to areas of native forest 12 to 20 kilometres away (and sometimes more) to feed on spring-flowering native trees and to breed away from the cats and rats of the city.

So this suggests the winter tuis in Wanaka must be coming from Matukituki and Makarora, and possibly as far away as the West Coast. And, if we want them to keep coming, then maybe we should plant a few more of the trees mentioned above, especially banksia and winter-flower gums. And perhaps think about swapping your cat for a dog.

write to the editor Let the community know your views, email your letter to: editor@thewanakasun.co.nz *200 words or less

Guidelines for letters and texts to the Wanaka Sun The Wanaka Sun no longer accepts letters or texts that directly respond to the author of previous letters or texts. If you wish to reply to another letter or text, stick to the topic involved and try to advance the debate so that other readers might join in the discussion. Correspondents should not engage in recriminations against earlier correspondents.

Letters of fewer than 200 words and texts of fewer than 25 words are preferred.

Letters or texts may be edited for clarity, length or legal reasons.

Letters can be sent to editor@thewanakasun.co.nz with “Letters to the editor” in the subject line, or can be posted to PO Box 697, Wanaka 9343. Texts can be sent to 021986786. The Wanaka Sun can not acknowledge receipt of letters or texts.

The Wanaka Sun reserves the right to edit, abridge or decline letters or texts without explanation.

Andrew Penniket

Issue 598 Thursday February 28, 2013 Free delivery to Wanaka, Wanaka surrounds and Cromwell urban and rural mailboxes, PO boxes in Makarora, Cromwell, Haast, Wanaka, Albert Town, Hawea. Distributed to motels, hotels and cafes plus businesses in the Wanaka central business district and to drop boxes in Wanaka, Queenstown, Arrowtown and Cromwell.

Phone: 03 443 5252 Fax: 03 443 5250 Text view: 021 986 786 Text classified: 022 0786 778 Address: Upstairs Spencer House, Wanaka Postal: PO Box 697, Wanaka

Editorial manager: Ruth Bolger editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Journalists: Tim Brewster journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Caroline Harker newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz Production: Adam Hall production@thewanakasun.co.nz Advertising: Amanda Hodge advertising@thewanakasun.co.nz Buffy Paterson marketing@thewanakasun.co.nz Accounts: admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Printed by: Guardian Print, Ashburton Delivered by: Wanaka Rowing Club Published by: Wanaka Sun (2003) Ltd Distribution: 7500

Thursday 28 February to Wednesday 06 March 2013

Page 11

sunsport

Sticky king and queen

photo: wanaka.tv

Local multisporter Dougal Allan and Wanaka woman Melissa Newell have been crowned king and queen of Sticky Forest after winning their respective open mountain bike categories. Dougal beat second placegetter and recent Coast to Coast winner Braden Currie by almost two minutes in a

time of 1:18:46 and Melissa beat Ailsa Rollinson by a similar margin in a time of 1:36:33.

In the weekend warrior event Alex Young was the first man home in 1:16:49, and Crystal Steers won the women’s event in 1:45:32. Adam Hall (pictured) competed for the first time this year

but is eager to return in 2014 and better his time of 1:41:10.

In the beginners boys’ division Ryan Shields was first in 51:49 and Phoebe Young was the first girl, less than a minute behind in 52:37.

The event is held annually as a membership drive for Bike Wanaka.

Cricket capers Sent in to bat first by Dunstan at Clyde Domain last weekend, local team Lonestar Albion set up a 303 for 4 total. The first wicket fell at 240: Corey Blair made 109, with a maiden ton to Richard McLeod (128).

In his first club game for ten years, Shane O’Connor was the best of the bowlers with 2/25. Dunstan struggled to 175 all out in the 32nd over with Kyle Hinton (35) and Lee Terewi (50 not out).

The Albion side will play in the semi-final of the Koford Cup this Saturday at the Luggate Cricket Ground. The senior reserve side have also made the semi-finals with a recent win over Blacks Hill.

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wanakasun colour & design

Page 12

Thursday 28 February to Wednesday 06 March 2013

call 03 443 5252

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trades&services TREE services

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For Sale or Lease 86 Ballantyne Road 279.1 sqm Workshop, 47.9sqm Mezzanine Offices, Pump Shed & Washbay, 1425sqm Hardstand Area Total property 3163 sqm Initial enquiries to 0274 732 249 PLUMBING

SPAS & POOLS

employment

employment

Merchandiser Wanaka

signs, design & print

We require a flexible,confident, outgoing person to work approx.10-15hrs/ mth servicing our clients ranges in local stores, plus additional work in various Kitchen and Hardware outlets.

CURTAINS

Email details to julie@thehubnz.co.nz

shade sails

concrete cutting

panelbeating

employment

colour & design

drainage

text message only - deadline Tuesday 4pm

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02 20 786 778 20 word limit - standard network rates apply

For display advertising enquiries call 03 443 5252

Thursday 28 February to Wednesday 06 March 2013

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Free Text-Classifieds

Richard Freeman, Deirdre Lynch 51.39% 3. East/West:- Joy Baxter, Barbara Waterworth 76.19% 1.

Fran Holmes, Daphne Stewart 61.51% 2. Chris & Ian French 55.16% 3.Junior Championship Pairs 1. 20 February. North/ South:- Dennis Pezaro, Daphne Stewart 66.88% 1. Judy Cook, Lynne Fegan 60.00% 2.East/ West:- Pauline Davidson, Peter Hart 58.75% 1. John Cook, Penny Rodgers 55.63% 2 Richard & Annie Freeman 51.25% 3.

wanakasun

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Bridge results Mt Barker Pairs. North/South:- Helen Mathewson, Laraine Shepherd 65.74% 1. Heather Wellman, Deirdre Lynch 61% 2. Joy Baxter, Daphne Stewart 56.25% 3 East/West:Maureen Hawkes, Sherril Harries 63.77% 1. Alan Bunn, Ian McDonald 63.64% 2. Trevor Buchanan, Errol Kelly 61.71% 3. Friday Bridge 22February> North/South:Lynne Fegan, Maggie Stratford 59.03% 1. Noeline Goldsbrough, Madeleine Reveley 58.68% 2.

call 03 443 5252

sport results

Page 13

sunclassifieds

Classifieds employment Carpenter wanted Christchurch. Ryan Builders Ltd established 1973 Have a vacancy for trade qualified carpenters. The successful applicants will need to be able to work on residential earthquake repairs and architectural housing. The ability to communicate and work well with others.

Able to work to timeframes and produce a high standard of work. Have own transport and licence. Rates paid based on experience. If this role interests you and you have the skills then come join our team. Phone Darren Ryan 0274332776 www.ryanbuilderschristchurch.co.nz

for sale 1997 subaru legacy nz new good reliable car 2.2 auto cd new wof $1500 0272925769 Adidas football boots for sale.$50... worn one season.excellent condition .uk8..... Phone 02102919782. Blue and yellow.

Beautiful china tea cup bird feeders, great for attracting wax eyes and bell birds to your garden. Make the perfect presents $20 ph or txt 021 680 110 Cobcraft pottery kiln $799, Slalom Kayak $390, Liquid Logic Remix59 kayak $1890, Solid wood doors $250, Rocking chair $560, 0211119218 Electric lawn mower. Good condition $25 ph 443 6879 Car Seat Go Safe Booster for 2 years + excellent condition $20 phone 4432951 after 6pm Harness that bolts to the floor of your vehicle for car seat. Black, $20 phone 4432951 after 6pm Timber Venetian Blind Studione, BRAND NEW still in box 60cm wideX100cm drop $20 phone 4432951 after 6pm 117 Litre bar fridge. Nice size. Excellent condition. Twenty five dollars. Phone 027 443 4143 3 X 2 man tents. Very good condition. Make an offer. PH 027 443 4143 GEORGE FOREMAN GRILL. Hardly used.

Great for grilling chicken, toasted sandwiches, meat etc. TWENTY DOLLARS. Ph 027 443 4143 Internal frame back pack. In very good condition. Not young but very comfortable. Offers. Ph 027 443 4143 Mountain bike. Second hand but in good condition. Suit someone 175 Cm or thereabouts. Fifty dollars. Ph 027 443 4143 P173 Obrien water skiis. Hardly used.

Excellent quality. Ski on one foot or two!

ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS. PH 027 443 4143 Telescope on stand. Very good condition. Comes with additional lenses. Ph 027 443 4143 Huge range of summer clothing upstairs at the new Salvation Army Family Store.

MAC Uniform 4 sale. Near New Jersey and boys polo. Tel 443 5443

for sale

notice

service

service

Organic Eco Tan. No parabens, no chemical smells, just gorgeous, chocolate coloured skin. Email team@organicexpress. co.nz for a free e-brochure.

Lalaland, open 4pm-2:30am, 7 days.

Happy hour 6:30-7:30pm - $5 basic spirits & wine. $4 Lalalager & JamJars all day, everyday.

Babysitter available in Wanaka. Please call 021 999 370 or 443 4039.

Sump cleaning, roadside, driveway, pump station, etc ph Aaron 4434175

Pony poo-gold for your garden! 7/4 trailer load $30 delivered ph/txt Grace or Julia 4434494, 0275091972

Lalaland, the place to be, where the drinks are awesome and the smiles are free!

Cult Skate Wheels | Sabre Longboard trucks in Wanaka. Available online by NZ distributer. www.terrabangskate.com

Oasis septic tank servicing and cleaning, approved oasis service agent Wanaka Ph 0800885886

Website Design & SEO Professional Web Design Services from Web4 Wanaka, eCommerce and Online Marketing. www.web4wanaka.co.nz • 027 472 9908”

VASECTOMYS available here in Wanaka with Dr Simon Brebner at Aspiring Medical Centre.Ph 443 1226 for an appointment to discuss.

Dog walker available Monday to Sunday in Wanaka. Please call 021 999 370 or 443 4039.

WANAKA WINDOW CLEANING professional, friendly, efficient service. Enjoy those mountain views. High, awkward windows a specialty. Paolo 021 0572505/ 4432420

Poultry wheat and barley 4 sale, whole or crushed. 30kg bags. 021 251 5510/4434944.

LIFE STORIES writing and book design.

Memoirs, histories, letters, diaries - transcribed and published. www.timeofyourlife. co.nz. Contact laura@timeofyourlife.co.nz or 443 4629.

Primary School Op Shop summer half price sale now on. Tuesday and Thursday 12-4pmBack entrance school off Totara Terrace.

Lost in the mess? Text the Wanaka Sun on 0220 786778 for your free classified listing: 20 word limit, standard network rates apply.

Racers Edge prices just got hotter with the Summer Sale starting this Friday March 1st! Up to 50% off loads of summer stock.

MoveWell Rehab Pilates beg/int mat class avail Wed 1-2.15pm Only 4 places left Be quick $100/8wks Ph Joss 021668393

Section for sale, 802sqm, Little Maude Drive, Lake Hawea. Walk to lake/shops, mountain views. Price negotiable, phone 4439310 or 021656655.

Muay Thai, Kick Boxing Beginers 6pm Monday, Advanced Wednesday 6pm, 7 Gordon rd 0275 886464

Super fresh fruit and vege - we support local growers wherever possible. organicexpress.co.nz The much anticipated CLAMATO juice has finally arrived... Pop into Lalaland for your favourite Canadian caesar cocktail!

Avon : if you have not seen the later avon brochure or your representative for some time please call 034451973 or 0211293327 Primary School Op Shop. Open 124pm Tuesday to Thursday. Back entrance to school off Totara Terrace.

Toyota Surf 1989 5 speed white new Wrnt and Rego Top condition for an old girl Phone 4432951 after 6pm

Salvation Army Family Store Mon-Fri 10am – 5pm, Saturdays 10am- 4pm. Open for sale of pre-loved goods and donations.

Help us to help others.

Tyre Special at Racers Edge. Maxxis 29er Tyres. 2 for 1 deal. The Ardent, The Ikon, The Crossmax. Drop in to the local specialist.

Sport Central awards nomination forms from Bill Godsall bgodsall@sportotago. co.nz

Clothes drier for sale, $70, ph 4434175

The Creative Space- Educational after school art classes for primary aged children 3pm-5:30pm Special introductory rate. Limited placements. Please call Anna 0220115880 or email thecreativespace.wanaka@gmail.com for more information

Racing?! The Motatapu series; The Naseby 12 hour; The Contact Epic. Servicing, Parts and Nutrition - Racers Edge has it all. 03 443 8855.

free Free delivery - when you buy your groceries online at organicexpress.co.nz Wanaka, Albert Town, Hawea and Hawea Flat residential areas.

FREE LEGAL ADVICE at Community Networks Wednesday 7 March 12,30pm,Bookings call 4437799,

On Magazine Autumn release party at Urban Grind Friday from 5.30pm. A massive dose of Love It Live, spot prizes, drink specials and more.

Wanaka Waterski club tournament, 8am this Saturday follow the signs to Paddock Bay. Enquiries to Garett, 021 411 566 World Day Prayer Service on Friday 1st March at 2pm in Holy Family Catholic Church.

notice Support Hawea kindergarten looking forward to show day selling yummy hot lamb rolls and cold drinks in the food stall area!

40% OFF BOARDED MATERIALS & SCRAPBOOKING rrp, Creative Heart 5 The Mall Cromwell 034453077. Till end February.

Conditions apply.

Ben Elms (aka Dr Compost) His next workshop in Wanaka will be on growing vegetables through the winter,Thursday 14th March, see www.wanakawastebusters. co.nz for details.

Caught Yello 2 concert wot a fab service cldnt b better.

Enjoy the sunshine on the deck @ Lalaland with a Gin Iced Tea Mason Jar, designed to share with friends.

rent Awesome flatmate wanted for amazing character house. move in 2wks.long term, mature, working male to live with 2 easygoing females.txt 0211435557

service All sewing repairs and alterations - problems solved. Helpful,prompt service. Please call to discuss. Phone Sue 027 247 2181 ASPIRING MASSAGE WANAKA. Deep Tissue.

Sport. Relaxation.Trevor Bailey. Full time massage since 1994. Ph 4432993 or 0274222455. www.aspiringmassagewanaka.co.nz Avoid the check out queues this summer.

Save time and shop online at organicexpress.co.nz

For FREE listing text your advert to

Experienced caretaker available now to look after your property. Ten years caretaking experience with small and large properties. Excellent references. Please call 443 4030 or 021 999370.

Girl Friday: no job to small. Please call 021 999 370 or 443 4039.

House Minding: Retired couple available for house minding in the Wanaka area.

References available, Ph 03 3488669 Inland Revenue are at Community Networks Friday 15 March 9am - 1pm,For help with personal or business tax,child support,student loans or family tax credits call 4437799 to make an appointment.

Is wanaka your home away from home? house/ garden/ animal care/ maintenance/ management available now.Ultimate care 0223119113 JP SERVICES at Community Networks Tuesdays 1 to 2pm and. Fridays 10.30 to 11.

30 For appointments call 4437799 LOMI LOMI MASSAGE (Therapeutic Hawaiian) Relaxing, nurturing, whole body strokes. Peaceful surroundings. Ph Maryann 443 6463, 021 1101160 LYMPHATIC CLEARANCE -supports immune system, detoxifies, relieves lymphoedema. Gentle treatment using hands.

Call Maryann 4436463 or 0211101160 MASSAGE THERAPY, Sportsmassage, Deep tissue, Relaxation. Treatment work and stress release to rejuvenate. Ursula Krebs, Dipl.

Massage Therapist, ph: 0276602271, 7 days.

Need a hand in your garden or someone to look after your property while you’re away? call martin jungen 4435712 Need to get organised? Experienced PA ready to help. Please call 021 999 370 or 443 4039.

Party Planner: Taking the stress out of your party. Available in Wanaka. Please call 021 999 370 or 443 4039.

Pest Control. House looking haunted with spider webs? Call Jae Services for all your pest control 443 1150 PET CARE SERVICES WANAKA. Home away from home for your dog at my home when you go away. Ph 021 201 1121.

Septic Tank Cleaning and servicing, Ph Aaron, Septic Tank Cleaners Wanaka 4434175 0800885886 Porta loo hire and cleaning, ph Aaron 4434175

WHEELS TO DUNSTAN:Free daily transport to Dunstan Hospital & Alexandra specialist appointments,Bookings call 4437799 Yes only 4 1/2 weeks to Easter book your hair appointment in now befor you mis out Rika the hairfairy text or call 0273169463

thanks A massive thank u to the wonderful person who took my beautiful, but slightly goofy pup from the outlet to Aspiring Vets wed- ur worth ur weight in gold!

Thanks yello for making the trip to the concert so easy door 2 door and a van just for us lot fab thx Yello thanks 4 a great trip over the hill 2 see pat what a day

wanted Job wanted. Girl 14, Lake Hawea. Cleaning, vacuuming, dishes, dog walking, babysitting etc etc... Please contact 0221952258 Local couple with young baby looking for a long term, modern fully furnished 2+ bedroom house to rent. Contact 02040044113.

MAC uniform – girl’s culottes wanted, thank you. Please call 021 999 370 or 443 4039.

Montessori Children’s House requires a garden/storage shed. If you can help please phone 4438389.

Avon looking for people to sell join free free starter kit full training.make extra cash.

0211293327 Slimline fridge/freezer wanted, family size, good condition, needs to be 500-540 mm wide, 021629346 or 443 8485 Volunteers wanted @ Salvation Army Family Store, any day Mon-Fri 3.30-5pm, Saturday 10-12, 12-2, 2-4pm. Please call in if you are able to help.

Wanted Artificial Xmas tree at least 8 ft tall in good condition. Please call 021402984.

WANTED. Dining chairs, 4 (or more).

0212107184 WANTED: long term 2+ bedroom fully furnished modern house for local couple with 15 month old baby. Contact 02040044113, thanks.

Wanted: Used shade cloth, hex wire or deer fencing wire req. Cheap or free. Approx 125m. 0212641209.

02 20 786 778

20 word limit - deadline Tuesday 4pm - standard network rates apply Page 14

Thursday 28 February to Wednesday 06 March 2013

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Thursday 28 February to Wednesday 06 March 2013

Page 15

sunsport

Waterski comp Local waterskiers are hoping for calm conditions in Paddock Bay this Saturday for the fourth annual Wanaka Waterski Tournament.

Organiser Garett Shore said the club is expecting more than 40 competitors from around the South Island in the five divisions from novice to open, with

ages ranging from 11 to 50 plus. Skiing starts at 8am with a three-round slalom tournament.

The course is close enough to shore to provide spectators with good vantage points, Garett said.

Pictured is one of last year’s competitors, Glen Mckay.

See sunspots for details photo: supplied

National title for rowers Wanaka rowers have won their first-ever national title for the club with the success of the men’s under 19 coxed four at the national club championships on Lake Ruataniwha last weekend.

The crew of James Bowley, James Redai, Jarrod Wellman, Nick Jackson and coxswain Hamish Roulston won by three boat lengths, with coach Dave Varney extremely proud of their efforts.

“They have trained towards this event over the summer without a coxswain and young Hamish Roulston only joined the crew three weeks ago,” he said.

“A win in the nationals

Page 16

photo: supplied

requires complete commitment, excellent technique and sheer guts to win. This is a very proud day for the club.”

Anna Watson Taylor exceeded her best by qualifying for one A final and two B finals in the single. She achieved a personal best time winning

the B final of the club single. However her top performance was coming fourth (ranking her tenth overall) in the B final of the under-20 division. Anna also paired up with Mish Harrison in the club double, where the two achieved a personal best time in finishing fourth in the B final.

New disc golf champ Wanaka’s Dylan Bradley is the new junior national disc golf champion after last weekend’s event in Woodhill Forest.

He and another Wanaka player, Rob Harper, had a hotly-contested competition against multiple title holder Toby Gentil, but Dylan managed to establish a six shot lead on the final day. Rob also stepped up in the final round to pip the former champion by one shot, giving Wanaka the top two places on the podium.

Pickled Pepper pips Maverick The southeaster that blew straight offshore created flat and fast conditions and a great test of skill for competitors at the Wanaka Yacht Club’s Thursday night meet.

The club’s publicity officer Roger North said strong wind nights never seem to dampen the spirits or entry numbers of the junior dinghy sailors. Nicola Sanders came out on top last week in her optimist “Adinghy”.

Matthew Davidson held off “Maverick” again in his Noelex 22 “Pickled Pepper”, levelling the series on points with five more races to go. Johnny Benson won the senior dinghies again and, in the Etchells onedesign division, Jeff Mercer pulled away from second place for a good win.

Thursday 28 February to Wednesday 06 March 2013