A Night at the Museum
INSIDE THIS WEEK
End of year hurrah for local dancers.
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Fingers crossed for binary champs Hāwea Flat maths whizz kids in national finals.
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A journey of hope THUR 28.11.19 - WED 04.12.19
Emma Conyngham
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
ate Callahan is a much-loved mum of two who was recently hit with the devastating news that she has stage four metastasized breast cancer. Receiving that news is like smashing headfirst into an invisible ice wall at 200kmph. The shock, emotional pain and mental trauma is indescribable. As Kate starts to describe the emotions that are threatening to overwhelm, her voice starts to crack. When she talks about how to tell her kids, she goes silent. “How did you tell your kids?” she asks me. “I told them mummy has sick boobies… but we never used the C word because… it was just…” Silence. There are no words. It cannot be articulated. I have walked part of the same path as Callaghan and it’s not one I want to revisit. Both of us have clenched throats as we steer the conversation away. Hope is the focus; treatment is the discussion and optimism is what speak out – for what the mouth speaks, has power. Callaghan is a holistic nutritionist, personal trainer, lifestyle coach and author specialising in hormone healing and fertility — in short, the poster child for health, and someone who definitely shouldn’t have cancer. Her professional mission is “to inspire and empower women to overcome hormonal havoc through real food, rejuvenating movement, loving thoughts, and kind actions.” Her values are to “Be honest and transparent. Live with integrity. Respect for myself and others. Show compassion and empathy. Be authentic in my actions. Remain dedicated to helping others.” How does this happen to a beautiful young mum, with two gorgeous little kids? “They wouldn’t refer me,” she says. “Why?”
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“Why would they say I’m not a candidate for cancer and just wait to see if the lump got worse? It would have been so easy. Just petrol money to Dunedin but I was told that I was low risk and not to worry. It would have been $100 of petrol…. I still can’t believe they didn’t refer me through earlier.” When Callaghan first found out she had cancer, it was shocking enough but she mentally got herself into a place to have a mastectomy, then chemo and radiation and to fight it. “But when the CT scan came back and they saw it was in my liver, they said there was only palliative care available... Hooked up to machines to keep me alive was how I saw it.” The abrupt prognosis was hard to hear but second opinions are worth their weight in gold. Callaghan has now found some hope in Auckland surgeon, Adam Bartlett who has given hope where there was none. As a liver specialist, Bartlett tackles tough cases and is known for never giving up on patients, even when the public system surgeons have delivered hard news. But it doesn’t come cheap. Thankfully, the givealittle campaign that was launched last Friday has smashed its goal and will provide funds not only for three weeks of alternative treatment in Mexico, but also the pricey private surgery in Auckland. By Tuesday 4pm, $184,000 has been raised. By Wednesday 3pm it was $213,571… the fund continues to grow and with it, grows hope. To donate, go to givealittle.co.nz/cause/ lets-save-kates-life Callaghan plans to leave Wānaka for Cancun’s Hope4Cancer centre on December 7 where she will undergo alternative therapies that have had significant success for many patients. The Wānaka Sun will be following her journey over coming weeks, months... and years. Our next article will look at why Kate wasn’t referred and why women under 45 are routinely ignored when it comes to breast cancer.
PHOTO: Supplied
Kate Callaghan received news that no young mum should receive.
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WSG urge impact assessment to cease
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PHOTO: supplied
Ruby Island.
Ruby Island wants you! Abby Costen
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: The Wānaka Sun
The Wānaka Stakeholders Group has asked QLDC to halt the impact assessments, pending the judicial review.
Emma Conyngham
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Wanaka Stakeholders Group Inc. (WSG) wrote to Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), formally requesting that they immediately put a halt to further reports, until the High Court judicial review case about Wānaka Airport is heard. WSG Chair, Michael Ross, said: "Despite the fact that we've issued proceedings in the High Court and raised significant concerns about key decisions the council has made, QLDC is barreling ahead with impact reports about Wānaka Airport. This is a waste of ratepayers' money — and the costs will be significant. The court should determine the issues first." Mr Ross said that newly elected councillors should "do the right thing" rather than allowing council to "charge ahead with further reports about airport development." In response, Mayor Boult said, “I have to admit to a level of surprise that the Wānaka Stakeholder Group has asked for a halt to the assessments. Whilst there is a connection, the undertaking of these
assessments does not rely on nor inform the outcome of the Wānaka Stakeholder Group’s judicial review of the Wānaka Airport lease process. The independent recommendations and findings will be of great value regardless. “The core intent of these assessments is to ensure that strategic and operational decisions around the future of our districts airports can be informed by independent analysis of the pros and cons economically and socially, including the effect on our environment. They’ve been asking for more consultation and the Council has already committed that these assessments will include community engagement to hear all voices in this discussion. Isn’t this what well-informed, balanced decision-making for the whole community is about? “We have yet to confirm the final cost for these assessments, as Council staff are finalising the scope with the MartinJenkins team. However, I can confirm it will pale in comparison to the very significant amount of ratepayer money that will need to be spent defending the Wānaka Airport lease process in the judicial review brought by Wānaka Stakeholder Group.”
Jude Battson of Ruby Island Management has announced she is standing down as coordinator. “The time has come to discuss the future of the island, and see if there are any people in our community who would like to take on the role of coordinator, and be a part of the management team,” said Battson. The Ruby Island Coordinator role is voluntary. You will need to organise the working bees, manage volunteers, communicate with council, and arrange repair and maintenance of mowers and weedeaters. The person who takes the role needs to enjoy working outdoors with people, lead the team and be able to delegate. “Ruby Island’s history is significant. It has been a source of enjoyment to many people, for many years,” she continued. Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) fund the requirements for the island however both QLDC and the Ruby Island Management team welcome any thoughts and ideas from the public on how the prettiest island in the South Island can be improved. “Do we keep,
replace, or remove the barbecue? Users of the island are encouraged to attend and be a part of the decision making for the future,” said Battson. “After the 1992 Ruby Island fire that left it devastated, in 1995, my friend Vicki Urquhart, who was elected to the Wānaka Community Board, organised QLDC to fund the replanting project. It included blasting holes for the long drop, and for water tanks to irrigate the new native plantings. A pump, powered by solar was installed to operate the irrigation. Mount Aspiring College pupils, there were about 280 back then, and locals turned up for the big working bees. In 1998, Vicki was a bit tired and asked if I would take it over. The weeds were thriving by then so we mostly cleared briar, thistle, broom and lupins for the first few years. We planted more natives and slowly but surely, the island thrived and is a pretty photograph now. It holds a massive place in my heart. Every time a fire is reported, I hold my breath. Light no fires, means light no cigarette as well.” A meeting is being held at the Wānaka Recreation Centre on December 3 at 7.30pm to discuss the future of the island, and will be attended by QLDC parks and reserves officer Diana Manson.
Local roofers among the best of the best
(Left) Luke van Oosten, and Jordan Lawrence (right), receiving national recognition for their outstanding workmanship.
Emma Conyngham
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Choose Wanaka Roofing for your new home
03 443 1250
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Christopher Cole, manager of Wānaka Roofing is beaming like a proud dad; two of his boys made the top six finalists in the inaugural Colorsteel Awards which is a great achievement for a small town like Wānaka. Jordan Lawrence, 22, was a finalist in the Young Roofer of the Year category, and Luke van Oosten made the finals for Roofer of the Year. In the Roofer of the Year category, the judges were looking at the roofer’s workmanship, health and safety practices, customer service and communication, ability to solve problems, and leadership skills, as well as the complexity of the roofer’s past projects and how the individual has impacted on the industry. For the Young Roofer of the Year, the judges were looking for excellent workmanship, tenacious problem solving, the willingness to go the extra mile, great customer communication, leadership and an impeccable safety record. The judges were Gretta Stephens, CEO of New Zealand Steel; Graham Moor, CEO of Roofing
THURSDAY 28.11.19 - WEDNESDAY 04.12.19
PHOTO: supplied
Association New Zealand; Rod Newbold, roofing expert; Peter Wolfkamp, resident builder and star of The Block, and Ken Crosson, director of Crosson Architects. For Cole, the achievement of his boys is an acknowledgement of all the hard work the company puts into their projects, and the investment they put into their staff. Unlike many trade companies, Wānaka Roofing employs all their roofers as permanent staff, rather than contractors. This gives the obvious security of employment that endures through the ups and downs of the construction industry. “In total we have 23 employees,” said Cole. “We don’t venture out too much. We may do the odd job in Cromwell but we largely stick to Wānaka. We do some housing firms, but mostly we cater to the mid to high end bespoke architectural houses.” Wānaka Roofing is owned by The Freeman Group which comprises of eight distinct branches. Each branch is individually branded and operates with a customised business model that matches the unique characteristics of the region that it is located in. The Freeman Group is the largest private, family-owned roofing manufacturer in New Zealand.
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Kathy Dedo voted onto Central Lakes Trust
Sun News
Emma Conyngham
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Preliminary results of the Central Lakes Trust election have been announced with Wānaka’s Kathy Dedo voted onto the board. “I feel overwhelmed and humbled to be voted on to the Trust,” said Dedo. “It's an uncomfortable feeling to put your name, face, and reputation out there and ask for people's support to represent them. With 25 candidates the focus was on the election for so long, and now that it's over I'm more comfortable getting on with the job!” “The CLT touches everyone's lives through their investment in community services, recreation, arts and culture, education, environment and heritage. I consider it a privilege and will do my best to make sound decisions for the communities throughout the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago Districts.” “I'm deeply grateful to everyone who supported me in many ways, and to voters for participating no matter who they voted for. I'm passionate about engaging citizens of all ages in democracy, and it's great to see voters in Wānaka and elsewhere expressing their wishes by ballot. Much respect to all who put their
PHOTO: The Wānaka Sun
From left; Bonnie Raynes, Lily Allison, Issy Joyce, Loui Sutton, Axel Worthington, and Beau Searing – the Hāwea Flat School Discovery Challenge team.
Fingers crossed for binary champs PHOTO: Supplied
Local Wānaka resident Kathy Dedo has been voted onto the board of the Central Lakes Trust.
hand up to serve our region.” The voter return percentage was 28.37 percent, (10,749 votes) which is up slightly from the 2016 election turnout of 26.20 percent. The Central Lakes Trust has a total of five trustees elected every three years, alongside three appointed Trustees. Other successful candidates include Lindsay Breen, Cath Gilmour, Tony Lepper, and Rosie Hill. Wānaka has two other representatives on the board as appointed trustees; Michael Sidey and Hetty Van Hale.
One person found deceased in car crash in Luggate
Emma Conyngham
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Hāwea Flat Primary school’s six mighty binary champs are heading to Wellington on December 5 to compete in the New Zealand finals of the Tahi, Rua, Toru Tech Challenge. The team of computation science whizz kids came first in the Otago/Southland finals and scored themselves a spot in the nationals – a huge feat for a small rural school which is consistently punching above its weight. For readers too old to understand binary maths, “Binary numbers is what computers do and the things in the black and white so computers can see what you’re typing,” said Issy Joyce, age 9. “This is the result of the new digital technologies curriculum which the school has been working hard for,” said teacher Kate Bodger. “It’s all unplugged computer science – coding without a computer. It’s hard core maths.” “This is a passion of mine and I’ve been their teacher
for three years so it’s rubbed off on them. I really like that they’re studying computer tech but not on a computer. People often think these kids are starting at screens all day but this is giving them computational thinking out of the curriculum. Thinking like computers but not with computers. It’s a really good foundation.” Computational thinking is about understanding the computer science principles that underlie all digital technologies, and learning how to develop instructions, such as programming, to control these technologies. According to the young team, Lily and Loui were the best binary mathematicians whilst Issy struggled the most. But, with extra help from her friends, Issy is super proud to say she is now “the second best on the team.” Accepting help, perseverance and determination all abundantly clear in this little computer competitor. The team of six, with their teacher, will travel to Wellington to compete in the finals where they will also visit the National Library and the head offices of Trademe where they will see binary code in real-life application.
Wānaka airport. Upon the arrival of the emergency services, one person was found deceased. Last Saturday police received a The Police Media Centre stated that report at around 1.40am of a single- the Serious Crash Unit attended and that vehicle crash on SH6 in Luggate, near the circumstances will be investigated.
Abby Costen
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Rotary second-hand book sale this weekend
Rotary Club of Wānaka member Nicola Brown helping a happy customer at last year’s book sale.
Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Combining recycling and charity in order to help the local community brings book lovers great excitement each year. “The public response to donating books has been bigger than ever this year,” said Mike Elliot, Rotary Club of Wānaka organiser. The much anticipated annual Rotary Club of Wānaka Book Sale, comprising of thousands of second hand books, will begin this Friday 29 November, and it will take place over three days at the Lake Wānaka Centre, ending on
THE WĀNAKA SUN
PHOTO: Pip O’Regan
Sunday 1 December. The book sale has traditionally seen hundreds of people flock to the Lake Wānaka Centre in search of a great read at a bargain price. “We have thousands of books, the storage we arranged is at capacity and books have been coming in consistently since we advertised for donations,” commented Elliot. The books have been categorised to make browsing easy, and a coloured sticker indicates the price for each book. “It’s a big job to categorise and price but well worth it when we see the response and the funds we can raise for the community,” added Elliot. THURSDAY 28.11.19 - WEDNESDAY 04.12.19
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THURSDAY 28.11.19 - WEDNESDAY 04.12.19
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ORC regional water plan one step closer Emma Conyngham
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Flows in the Manuherekia, Arrow and Cardrona catchments have been awaiting incorporation into a regional water plan for 30 years. Permits for water use, issued over 150 years ago in the gold mining days, have been coming to a close and need reallocation under the Resource Management Act. Those permits have long since stopped being used for mining but were repurposed to the farming industry. Now, farmers rather than gold miners, are waiting on tenterhooks to see if their access to water is to be continued. ORC has been wrestling with the issue for decades and making no headway, hence in May this year, Minister for the Environment, David Parker intervened by appointing Professor Skelton to investigate whether the ORC was on track to adequately perform its functions in relation to fresh water management and allocation of resources. Yesterday, ORC approved a series of steps to remedy planning issues and respond to the recommendations made by Environment Minister David Parker last week. Those steps set out the changes needed to put a fit-for-purpose planning framework in place that complies with national policy direction. ORC Chair Marian Hobbs said the path forward was clear and achievable. “I’m pleased that we have agreed a way forward. It’s been a long time and some members of the farming community have been put out by a lack of direction. There is now a clear way forward – and we’re not having any Christmas holidays.” The recommendations considered by the Council were approved unanimously. The recommendations in Professor Skelton’s report concluded that, “It will be important to complete a new regional policy statement and a new land and water regional plan before undertaking the assessment of any new or replacement water consent applications.” “While interim measures are necessary, the major focus of the Council should be the significant upgrade of the planning framework. I consider that the Minister for the Environment should recommend to the Otago Regional Council that it takes all necessary steps to develop a fit-for-purpose freshwater management planning regime.” “A comprehensive freshwater planning framework, however, will not be in place before the deemed permits expire. I am therefore recommending that the Minister for the Environment initiates the necessary legislative process to change the date for expiry of the deemed permits ... from 1 October 2021 to 31 December 2025. This will ensure that the replacement consent applications are assessed against a
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robust policy framework.” Councillor Michael Laws, who has been highly critical of the previous council’s governance around resource management, believes Minister Parker was right to intervene and that the report is a step in the right direction. He is also comfortable with the shifting deadlines. “The deadlines don't need to be hit until 2025 to have all plans and policies in place to satisfy the NPSFM. The ORC is currently under-staffed, under-scienced, and under resourced. The new governance team are already saying ‘Let's go - hurry up.’ We will get there by 2025.” He continued, “There were a number of problems with the ORC and its historic handling of not just deemed permits but resource consent applications in general. They were the direct result of bad senior management at the ORC and even worse governance, if that's possible. In some ways, the surprise could have been that the Minister didn't intervene earlier,” said Laws. As Minister Parker pointed out in his May letter, the issue of a single regional plan for water has remained unresolved for 30 years, so will Skelton's report be effective? “It's very simple. If this isn't resolved, the ORC governance team will likely be dismissed as Ecan's team was 10 years ago,” said Laws. “But that won't happen because this governance team are much more questioning, better connected with their communities, and bring in much greater governance experience. I can't stress how little local and central government experience, the 20132019 governance teams had.” Local MP Jacqui Dean, however, isn’t so enthusiastic. She believes the Environment Minister has hung Otago farmers out to dry. “In releasing the results of a four-month investigation into the Otago Regional Council and its performance around granting historic water rights, the Minister has stepped in and overridden the whole water consents allocation process. “David Parker has effectively thrown out almost two years of consultation and hard work by both the Otago Regional Council and local farmers, as he pushes his own agenda and renders the council impotent.’ In response, Michael Laws pointed out that it was National MP and Minister Nick Smith who imposed the current National Policy Statement - Freshwater Management, not this current government. “In fact, the Skelton Report was all about reviewing the implementation of existing policy, not creating it. Perhaps if Ms Deans talked with myself or other Dunstan Ward councillors then she would be better informed. We have a job of work to do and we will get there by 2025 working with the affected communities and the wider region,” he added.
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, will this year’s Christmas pantomime be the best of all?
PHOTO: supplied
Members of Wānaka Pantomimers whistling while they work.
Abby Costen
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Wānaka Pantomimers’ Sno Whyte and the Seven pantomime, an updated version of the classic fairytale, will be playing at the Lake Wānaka Centre from December 4-6. The show will be produced by Sarah Millwater and directed by Gillian Pugh, and the cast will include professional actors Grace Bentley, Becky Plunkett and Joel Herbert. Co-organiser Liz Breslin said, “Everyone reinvents stories to suit the place and time and this is definitely an
adaptation to suit the people of the Upper Clutha in 2019.” “While someone has defined our shows as 'anti-mime' rather than pantomime, for twisting up the stories so much, we do stay true to some panto conventions. There'll be a lot of opportunities for audience interaction, ‘oh yes there will!’, to sing along with the dancers on stage and to shout ‘Look behind you!’ she added. “We don't want to reveal too much about who is playing which role in this year's show – you'll have to come and see for yourselves – but there will most definitely be a magic mirror, played by a much-loved local character, as well as 'The Seven', the mysterious group who feature on our poster, who live in a typical young Wānaka housing situation.”
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Young entrepreneurs focus on the environment Ollie Blyth
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Lee from Yohei Cafe in Wānaka is happy to put your takeaway sushi in your own container.
PHOTO: supplied
Forgetfulness, a barrier to re-using Abby Costen
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Last Tuesday Wastebusters released its initial findings from its ‘Resourceful Communities’ survey, with the results highlighting people’s deep concern for their own environmental impact – and their forgetfulness. The community enterprise’s research aimed to identify barriers that prevent people in our region from reducing and reusing. “We asked people about a whole range of reduce and reuse behaviours, from taking a reusable cup and BYO containers for takeaways, to buying second hand and repairing rather than replacing,” said Wastebusters project manager Sophie Ward. “What we found was that people are deeply concerned about the impact their choices are having on the environment, but this concern is not always reflected in their shopping behaviour.” The survey found health and impact on the environment are the two main factors which influence our consumer choices. It’s now the norm to use your own bag or bottle and more than half of us use our own coffee cup, but there is still a long way to go, particularly with regards to BYO containers. The main barrier across all reusable options is people forgetting to bring their own cup, container or
YEAR 8 MOUNT ASPIRING COLLEGE NIGHT MARKET MEET US AT THE YEAR 8 BLOCK BETWEEN 4:30 TO 6:30/7:00 TO SEE ALL OUR SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS!
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bag with them. “For too long the onus has been on the individual to change their behaviour. Individuals want more support from business and government to make it easier to change their behaviour,” added Ward. Consumer choices are also affected by other factors which are often in conflict with reducing and reusing, such as cost, convenience and what the kids like. There was strong support for more information and a keen interest in learning more about methods to reduce and reuse. Most people would like businesses to help them reduce their environmental impact and the majority want to see BYO containers encouraged, a reduction in packaging, and businesses reducing and recycling their own waste. “We all have a part to play in accelerating the transition to a circular economy: local and national governments, the waste industry, businesses, and all of us as individuals,” said Ward. Thanks to the hundreds of responses to the survey, Wastebusters has gleaned a substantial insight into the barriers our communities face reducing and reusing. The information will be used to inform future campaigns and initiatives, create helpful workshops and further online resources, and better target their activities to have more impact.
Next Tuesday 3 December from 4:30pm7pm, year 8 students from Mount Aspiring College will be hosting their annual ‘Trade Day’ open to the Upper Clutha community. In the past, this event has been closely tied with sweets, junk food, and excessive plastic packaging, but this year’s students have been challenged to make their products environment and health friendly. This idea piggybacked off of the year group’s topic study of ‘consumers and producers’ which taught students that both as consumers and/ or producers we have the responsibility to be sustainable in our product choices, Following the school strike for climate marches, the students knew that the 2019 trade day had to be different than before. “Previous trade days would be full of lollies, junk food, and plastic wrapping. It didn’t sit well with me because I knew in my heart it was not good for the environment,” said student Otis Murphy (pictured) who, along with business partners Tai Treadwell-Burke and Jack Humphries-Ladbrook, will be selling their cushions made of old shirts at the trade day. “We sourced most of our products from Wastebusters and our own unused resources,” said Murphy. The students were given the brief: create a product that can be made sustainably or that is healthy for the consumer. Ideally, both. Everything from the product’s packaging to advertising has to fulfill this
PHOTO: Derek Murphy
Year 8 student Otis Murphy will be selling his upcycled products at the MAC trade day next week.
criterion. According to Erin Hurley, one of the teachers leading the initiative, “Initially, students found this limiting. Soon, however, they began to tap into their Kiwi ingenuity and come up with ideas that were not only creative but also sustainable.” Other products being old at the trade day include Christmas trees, cordials, candles in used cans, bath bombs, bracelets, lip balms, scrunchies, and other creative products right in time for the holiday season.
Celebrate cups that care this December Abby Costen
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Do you agree the best cup of coffee is one that warms you, not the Earth? New Zealand’s not-for-profit responsible cafe finder UYO “Use Your Own” has organised a national Use Your Own Cup Day, which is set to take place on December 11. The online guide helps people find and support cafes that encourage less waste and more community. UYO also work as a philanthropic social enterprise, stepping in to connect folks who can help each other do good, and stepping up to fund local projects and initiatives. UYO founder Laura Cope said, “I’m almost too excited about a day dedicated to saluting the reuser – a day of amnesty for the cup chucker – a day to buddy up and break up with an old-news habit – a day where we show the baristas of Aoteroa some real love by drinking their real coffee from real cups!” “Plastic use is becoming a moral issue. Like cigarette smoking once was, using plastic is an addictive, unavoidable part of our consumer landscape. Until our plastic dependency rises to the level of moral outrage that drives regulatory and social norm change, our fixation on the convenience of plastics will continue unabated.” said senior lecturer of marketing Dr Sommer Kapitan of Auckland University of Technology.
THURSDAY 28.11.19 - WEDNESDAY 04.12.19
PHOTO: supplied
“Consumers face a tough battle. It is hard to decide to forgo a coffee on a busy morning if we forget to bring a reusable cup. We are all busy, we are all juggling. But that’s what got us into this plastic dependency in the first place. The same rules apply for us – every choice we make, even once, to avoid plastics in our daily life… translates to the creation of a new, plastic-free habit. The biggest costs are incurred the first time you chose to avoid plastic. To carry your own container to the sushi shop, to read every label to find a soap free of plastics. To bring your own netted bags to the grocery store for fruit and veg. But after you invest the first effort to make a change, that change becomes easier, and habits begin to form.” To show your support and celebrate the use of reusable cups, upload and share pictures online with the hashtag #uyocupday and tag @uyo.nz.
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Is the Tiaki Promise Kids pursuing its purpose? Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Tiaki means ‘to care and protect’ in Te Reo Māori, and all over New Zealand, included Wanaka, the land needs to be preserved along with its native birds. Under the banner of Tiaki Care for New Zealand, the group launched the Tiaki Promise, which outlines what travellers can do to care for New Zealand, travel safely and act as guardians of our land, waterways and oceans. Since its launch in November 2018, the initiative has reached over two million people on Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand’s social media channels. The Tiaki website has been viewed over 15,000 times and Tiaki has featured globally in around 500 international media stories. The campaign has been created with the aim to encourage Kiwis and visitors alike to experience New Zealand in a way that keeps everyone safe, protects our environment, respects our culture and protects the country for future generations. “We encourage communities and businesses to use the free resources available at tiaki.com to communicate to visitors what is expected of them and reinforce the campaign visitors will see as they travel around Aotearoa,” said Rebecca Ingram, General Manager at Tourism New Zealand. The Tiaki Care for New Zealand campaign consists of a range of digital and physical assets that have been created for industry to promote the Tiaki Care for New Zealand message. The Tiaki group also promote the
campaign via such things as advertising that targets visitors, playing the content on Air New Zealand domestic flights in December, promotion at the i-SITEs and Department of Conservation sites. The seven stakeholder organisations promote the Tiaki Promise to their customers, trade partners and staff, ensuring messaging is reinforced at visitor touch points across the country and around the world. “Tourism is New Zealand’s largest export earner and directly benefits our communities, but it’s important that its managed well. Tiaki was developed using research that indicated that it was important to inform people about the value New Zealanders place on our home along with guidance on how to care for it. This helps guide their behaviour to care for our home and travel safely,” said Carter. Tiaki is then supported by practical ‘how to’ campaigns that show people how to care for our home like DOCs summer campaign, Tourism New Zealand’s Responsible Camping campaign and NZTAs Driver Safety campaign. “It’s about these all working together as well as the significant investment and the work government has done in the tourism sector to manage it well that is creating positive change. This includes: 93 percent of Kiwis agree or strongly agree international tourism is good for the country; reductions in complaints to Council about Freedom camping; hundreds of tourism operators adopting Tiaki and promoting it visitors; 89 percent of Kiwis believe that initiatives such as Tiaki are important,” concluded Carter.
shine at Christmas time Emma Conyngham
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Three local performers are trekking the Crown Range three times a week in a steely show of commitment as they rehearse for Queenstown’s annual Christmas Show. Luke Gendall, Isabel Martin and Paige Gown all had successful auditions to make the cast of 20 children. Luke, a year 7 student at Mt Aspiring College takes the starring role as he leads the cast through a diverse journey to discover Christmas traditions from around the world. Paige and Isabel are both in the ensemble with smaller roles requiring multiple quick costume changes as lantern paraders, Indian treatmakers, and little drummers. Luke’s mother, Suzy Gendell, said “Luke used to put on shows whenever people came to our house when he was really little so I got him into Dance Wānaka from when he was really young, and Dance Out Loud too. He just loves performing. It’s where he feels comfortable.” The 12-year-old has been going to the
Wānaka Masterplan could head to court Abby Costen
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Last Thursday Wānaka Community Board (WCB) members were asked to progress the Wānaka Masterplan and Wānaka Integrated Transport Programme Business Case. The Wānaka Masterplan could be held up in court if consultation expectations are not realised – a group representing the majority of Wānaka town centre retailers, business and property owners is threatening legal action if they are not consulted on its next stage. Owner of Paper Plus Wānaka, Brian Patrick Kreft, presented on behalf of the Wānaka CBD Property Owners Group (POG) and the Wānaka Town Centre Business Group (WTCBG) at the meeting, which he said represent approximately 87 percent of the property owners and 85 percent of the Wānaka CBD Retailers respectively. “My remarks are confined to Lower Helwick Street and Ardmore Street. To date, such pedestrianisation has not proved successful for general retailers and has only been to the benefit of bars, cafes, restaurants and associated activities which have flourished in such an environment... When the council undertook its experiment and closed Lower Helwick and Ardmore Streets, effectively for four days, including a weekend, 95 percent of the general retailers in that area suffered material declines in turnover ranging from 24-68 percent. Not an insignificant detrimental impact on turnover. Any change in traffic flows in the Wānaka CBD, at this time, are premature as the development of Three Parks will, undoubtedly, materially impact on the same.” commented Kreft. “I am very concerned in relation to the proposals for parking, both for retail businesses and those that work in them. I consider that the proposed parking options as they currently stand are insufficient and will be relatively remote from the CBD which will impact materially on the retailers.” “One only has to look at Queenstown and ask ‘Is that what we want here in Wānaka?’ Because unless there are material changes to the plan as proposed, that will be the inevitable result. In conclusion, I believe that the members of POG and WTCBG support long-term planning for growth and the inevitable changes that will result from same. The principal concern at the present time is that as a result of the failure to consult and the
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radical and impractical aspects of some of the proposals, there is a lack of confidence and trust in the council staff involved and also in the ability of elected WCB members and local councillors to curtail and/or eliminate the radical aspects of the plan.” Manager of Wānaka Golf Incorporated, Kim Badger also presented at last Thursday’s meeting. “The Wānaka Golf Club Inc. which has over 1000 members, is the only 18-hole golf course in the region of Wānaka, Lake Hāwea, Cardrona, Luggate to Tarras – the largest club in the South Island. So to desecrate the public recreation reserve to build a road, infrastructure, not only goes against the reserves act, it is also disrespectful to this community.” said Badger. “The cost to the ratepayer to purchase new land and pay for the construction of new holes to replace the holes lost for the proposed new bypass road would cost the ratepayers far more than the cost to build the road around the outside of the golf course. There is land undeveloped that would be ideal for a bypass road meeting up with Golf Course Road, heading to the new roundabout on SH 84 through Three Parks, so we can't understand why QLDC is not looking at this option. To rehash the same plan, more or less, from the first plan in June, seems a waste of ratepayer funds.” Badger added, “The people putting together this business case should have taken the community feedback into consideration. If they are not going to listen to community feedback, they should be talking with the stakeholders, the business owners affected, on the options, but they are not even doing that. We hope that the Wānaka Community Board does their job to reflect their community feedback on this plan, and simply just advise the QLDC consultants who put this plan together to 'Go back and come up with something else, please'. It's simple really!” WCB board member and owner of local business Rituals Cafe Limited, Chris Hadfield said, “As a business owner my main concern is the continued social and economic viability of the town centre. As a Community Board member I will endeavour to make sure all voices are heard with regard to any changes.” Hadfield added, “The Masterplan is a concept of options and none are set in stone and I believe there should and will be intense consultation on all aspects before any changes are considered.”
PHOTO: Supplied
From left: Isabel Martin, Luke Gendall and Paige Gawn – three Wānaka performers in Queenstown’s annual Christmas Show.
Christmas Shows for many years so now finds it “surreal” that he’s in one. “I think performing will be a big part of his future,” said Suzy. The show is also being directed by another local, Lisa Clough from Luggate.
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THE WĀNAKA SUN
Sun News
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Their results are Nordic music to our ears
magic with Grieg
Ollie Blyth
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
For lovers of Greig’s Nordic compositions, the upcoming Central Otago Regional Orchestra performance is not to be missed. “To give this concert its Northern Lights flavor we will be playing two movements from Grieg's Peer Gynt suite and four of Dvorak's Slavonic Dances. The concert will open with Weber's Overture to Oberon,” said Ashley Hopkins, conductor of the CORO. “The soloist we have lined up is Patrick Cornfield from Auckland,” said Hopkins. “I worked with Paddy for 12 years in a row conducting a different piano concerto each year, and Grieg was the very first. Regardless of what else is on the program, Paddy will be worth coming along to PHOTO: Supplied hear on the big Steinway at the Lake Wānaka Center.” PHOTO: Edvard Grieg Archives at Bergen Public Library A few of the young musicians who sat music examinations this year. Left to right. Front row: The Central Otago Regional Orchestra draws on players Grieg, Dvorak and Weber will all be played in the Northern Lights Ruby Smith, Caroline Smith, Alice Porter Back row: Helen Carter (teacher), Rhian Telfer, Matilda Metcalfe, Giovanni Austin-Moorhouse, Lilian Eastwood, Kimiya Byrne, and Amy Benson. from many Central Otago towns, including Alexandra, performance. If you can't make it to the Wānaka concert, the program students are working hard to make Cromwell, Roxburgh, Queenstown, and Arrowtown. Ollie Blyth Northern Lights, Lake Wānaka Centre, December 7, will be repeated in Alexandra at the Memorial Theater at progress with their musical playing the journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz 2:30pm on Sunday December 8. exams become a great way of measuring 7.30pm. A wide range of talented young local success. They can provide a great source musicians have finished their music exams of motivation and provide a structured for the year in both of the ABRSM and syllabus towards a defined goal… exams Trinity College exam boards, and have don't suit everyone though, and there are passed with stunning results. From piano, many ways to improve you playing.” theory, guitar, clarinet, flute, saxophone, Fourteen-year-old Mount Aspiring and violin, many students challenged College student Kimiya Byrne passed themselves to practise like they’d never her grade six clarinet exam with a high practised before, showing their dedication merit, and said that she would often wake to their chosen instruments. up very early in the morning to practise The students were taught by Ann- her scales in preparation for her exam, Marie Lake, Naomi Carleton, Liz “[the exam] motivated me to practice Ritchie, Rosanne Forde, and Helen a lot and gave me something to work Carter, who are all very proud of their towards. I learned that hard work pays students’ achievements. Woodwind and off... it gives you a sense of achievement jazz teacher Helen Carter said that she is to complete something you have worked PHOTO: Ngaire Thomas Students from Aspiring Young Musicians showed off their hard work from the year last Sunday. incredibly proud of where her students so hard towards.” See full results on page 14. have come in the exam process, “when for the younger kids,” said Shona Brown, the school’s
Young musicians reach for the stars
Roys Peak reopens to the public Abby Costen
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
The Roys Peak Track reopened on November 18 after being closed for lambing with a significant upgrade to its vehicle facilities. Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and Department of Conservation (DOC) have widened the road around the Roys Peak Car Park, and enlarged and sealed the car park. However, vehicles can still be seen illegally parked on both sides of Mt
Aspiring Road. Roys Peak Track is one of the most popular day walks in the country with 58,000 visitors using the track between November 2016 and July 2017. The five to seven-hour return trip has been recently included in DOC’s new set of Day Hikes as one of New Zealand’s best walks, and the doubling of the car park capacity to 100 vehicles is aimed to help cater for visitors. The panoramic view from the summit has the reputation of being ‘the most instagrammed spot’ in New Zealand.
Ollie Blyth
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Around 100 students and their families gathered together to celebrate all of their learning as part of Aspiring Young Musicians last weekend in a fun end of year showcase. From as young as five years old to groups of teenagers, the concert was very varied and showcased a range of emerging local talents playing several different instruments. AYM started in late 2015 at Wānaka Primary School and Mount Aspiring College as a not-for-profit organisation and are now offering classes in guitar, ukulele, piano, trumpet, violin, cello, introduction to music, and drama and music action. This is not without support from the community, however. In addition to their adult teaching staff, some senior students at MAC have gotten into teaching. “It’s great for them and great
organiser, “they get to showcase their musical talents and mentor the younger students, and the younger students get to see what’s possible if they keep practising.” Nine-year-old guitar student Liam Thomas really enjoys the opportunity to be able to learn their chosen instrument as they like, “playing rock songs.” They also found the concert inspiring, “I enjoyed everyone performing their hardest and it looked really awesome.” Brown said that since the beginning of AYM, they have seen a huge amount of growth in the numbers of students and have been able to lower prices to just $15 per lesson for a student, “We’ve just grown exponentially, so we must be doing something right… we came up with the idea of group lessons for children because we believe it’s more fun to learn in a group setting and it’s also much more affordable for families,” they said.
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PAGE 9
Sun News
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A Night at the Museum celebrates a great year of dance Emma Conyngham
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Dance Wanaka held its annual recital on Saturday 23 November and it showcased all the styles of dance that the school offers: ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, tap and acro. Just over 230 dancers took part and performed to a packed house over two performances.
PHOTOS: Wendy Bowie Photography
Finale bows of all 230 performers on stage.
Acro dancers performing as Monkeys.
Sparkles preschool dance as bunnies in the Museum’s Cabinet Curiosities corner.
Elizabeth Pell (11yrs) leaping.
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Elementary 3 jazz dancers performing as Egyptian goddesses.
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Sun Farming
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OPINION: By Hon Damien O’Connor
A monthly column by Kim Reilly, Regional Policy Manager, Federated Farmers South Island.
No threat to farming from forestry
Keeping rural communities diverse and viable is key Reilly K Kim Regional Policy Manager, South Island It’s a little over-simplistic to simply say “there’s no threat to farming from forestry”. In fairness, that’s not even an accurate reflection of the concerns being raised to the government by the farming sector. A primary concern is the impact expanding forestry will have on rural communities. Keeping in mind that rural communities already feel under-fire and underthreat from a landslide of government regulation bearing down on them. Over the past few months, farmers have faced reform of freshwater regulations, stock exclusion regulations, the Zero Carbon Bill and methane reduction targets, looming changes on biodiversity protection and the Crown Pastoral Land Act, and a comprehensive review of the Resource Management Act. The One Billion Trees grants provide tempting financial incentives to instead plant forests. So, in underlining forestry as a threat, farmers are highlighting how the stress from additional regulatory requirements, coupled with incentives to move from farming to forestry, carries risk for their communities. We want the government to meet its climate change mitigation objectives, but not at the cost of bums on seats in rural classrooms or gumboots outside the local dairy. Thriving rural communities are key to the success of not only regional New Zealand, but New Zealand as a whole. The One Billion Trees target may only see an increase to 2 million hectares of forestry by 2028, but it’s where those trees are planted, and why those trees are planted, that worries farmers. The Minister notes that the purpose of the One Billion Trees Fund is to help farmers integrate trees onto their properties, to both diversify incomes and improve environmental outcomes. We support that purpose. But the key word is ‘integrate’, and while there may not be a specific Government policy that encourages high-value pastoral land to be wholly
planted in pine trees, that is what a combination of factors risks delivering, intentional or not. Forestry investors want land that is easy to plant, maintain and harvest and that inevitably means they want good flat land close to roads, processing facilities, and ports, not the hard to get to, erosion prone backblocks. There’s a distinction between the goal of the ‘right tree in the right place, for the right purpose’ and how farmers are seeing it play out. Many farmers and rural professionals are telling us of local sales directly to whole farm conversions, with foreign carbon speculators buying up farms and planting permanent forests for carbon credits. Overseas investment in forestry on New Zealand farmland does remains a concern. While the Minister has noted that in the year to September only 8,800 hectares of farmland was converted to forestry under the new special benefits test, that doesn’t account for applications since that time, or those in the pipeline. The $229 million sustainable land use budget package is welcome, but it is often forgotten that this includes $43 million to set up a Climate Change Commission, and $64 million to establish institutions and regulations for freshwater management. A better return on investment would come from providing additional, solutions-focussed support, funding and assistance to catchment groups, and for ensuring entities who work directly with farmers and communities, like the Landcare Trust and Queen Elizabeth II Trust (QEII Trust) receive the necessary boost to their funding. The Minister has reiterated that the government is committed to working alongside farmers to get more value from what they do. We support that, and encourage greater engagement with our industry moving forward. If we are to meet New Zealand’s long-term challenges and retain a thriving primary sector, what we need most is for the government to think carefully before its fallback position becomes adding so many barriers to farm, that planting pines becomes the easy answer.
New trap line established by Wānaka multisport community Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Wānaka athletes have taken a step forward, offering their strong legs to the community by helping to eliminate predators. The newly formed Wānaka Multisport Trapping Group have established a new trap lineup Daniels Spur at West Wānaka, that ascends high into the alpine environment. The group established the first part of the line at the beginning of October and second stage last Saturday. The project involves multi sporters, adventure racers, mountain runners and general outdoor enthusiasts that all share the love for the mountains. “Vivien, Jo Williams and I came up with the idea about eight months ago when we were out on a long training run in the mountains,” explained spokesperson Mags Helles. “Many of our volunteers are new to conservation, but love being in the outdoors
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and are super keen to add another purpose to their adventures and training missions; helping to protect our native species from introduced predators,” she added. The primary objective for the group is to maintain and increase the population of significant native species. The secondary objective is to involve a ‘new’ and perhaps younger group that traditionally is not so involved in conservation work where going ‘light and fast’ has a good cultural fit – although running with a dozen eggs has its own special challenge! “We check and repair it every three or four weeks, and then if our volunteers feel inclined to do another training run, they will check it in-between then. We have had an overwhelming response of enthusiastic volunteers and have 20 people on board, and at this stage don’t require further volunteers to manage our line,” commented Hellen. However, because the group is selffunded, Wānaka Multisport Trapping Group welcomes more sponsorship to buy more traps and extend the line.
There’s some agitation out there at the moment about farming being under threat from forestry. Much of what’s circulating is based on misinformation so it’s time to lay out the facts. We have 12.1 million hectares of farmland in this country and 1.7 million hectares of forestry. Under the One Billion Trees target the amount of forestry land would increase to 2 million hectares by 2028 and help us meet our climate change objectives. We had 2 million hectares of forest land in 2002, this would be a gradual redistribution that brings us back to that. There is no Government policy that encourages high-value pastoral land to be planted in pine trees and there is no evidence of this happening. The latest Overseas Investment Office statistics show about 8,800 hectares of farmland has been converted to forestry under the new special benefits test – that’s one thousandth of New Zealand’s total sheep and beef land. The Government is not subsiding whole farm conversions or allowing foreign carbon speculators to buy up farms and plant permanent forests for carbon credits. The streamlined rules for offshore investors only apply to production forests so talk that the rules are being gamed by offshore carbon speculators is wrong. The purpose of the One Billion Trees Fund is to help farmers integrate trees onto their properties, which helps diversify their incomes while improving environmental outcomes. We want the ‘right tree in the right place, for the right purpose’. The Government provides higher grant rates for native species over pine. Two thirds of the trees established through the Fund will be natives. Despite what some might say, the Government doesn’t “hate” farmers and we’re not interested in destroying rural communities. This Government is extremely proud of the ongoing high performance of our primary sector and we’re backing farming for the long term. We’re committed to working alongside farmers to get more value for what they do and step away from a volume focussed approach that the last Government pushed. We’re investing in the future of
PHOTO: Supplied
Damien O'Connor is the Minister of Agriculture, Minister of State for Trade and Export Growth and Minister for Biosecurity, Food Safety and Rural Communities.
farming in this country. The $229 million sustainable land use Budget package is being used to boost farm extension and advisory services. We’re working with and for farmers as shown by our recent agreement on agricultural emissions, our just released skills work plan developed with the sector to attract the workers it requires, our $40 million of funding for projects to reduce emissions and improve farm practice, our efforts to eradicate Mycoplasma Bovis and our support of farm catchment groups to do the work they need to improve water quality and sustainability. The Farm Debt Mediation and NAIT Bills aim to provide a safety net from farmers against financial problems and biosecurity outbreaks and we’re supporting farmer well-being by more than doubling funding for the Rural Support Trust. We’ve also progressed trade deals that open up the world’s largest economies to our primary exports. We’re not just talking about supporting our farmers to succeed – we’re doing it. We need a balance of farming and forestry to meet our long-term challenges and we all need to support our thriving primary sector.
Rural fuel delivery – on time, every time Mags Helles
Simone Maier
PHOTOS: Supplied
THURSDAY 28.11.19 - WEDNESDAY 04.12.19
PAGE 11
Sun Sport
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Future of amateur sport ‘in the balance’ in Wānaka Abby Costen
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Results of the 2019 National Sport Club Survey (NSCS), recently undertaken by the New Zealand Amateur Sport Association (NZASA) and Auckland University of Technology’s Sport Performance Research Institute of New Zealand (SPRINZ), reveal that many people deeply involved in amateur sport are not assured of a positive future. A lack of support and resources were identified as pressing issues. A survey revealed that clubs of over 200 members are getting larger and clubs of less than 100 members are getting smaller. This shifting landscape makes it imperative for national sport
organisations of all codes to assess how their clubs of various sizes are doing and the optimal size of clubs for the future. Many clubs reported that finding new people willing to serve in governance roles was a challenge. While it is clear from the data that enthusiastic, long-serving volunteers are the life-blood of many of the country’s sport clubs, new people and ideas are vital to protect against stagnation. With a majority of sport clubs losing money – or merely breaking even – and the future of grant/ trust funding uncertain, it is important to better understand commercial sponsorship as a viable alternative. Clubs across codes that are successful in generating sponsorship revenue tend to have a
dedicated person or sub-committee as opposed to assigning the job to a single board member with another portfolio. Results also show that substantial club sponsorships are centered on the country’s most visible sports. For those at clubs with no sponsorship support there are lingering doubts about whether it’s important or even possible for community sport clubs to generate sponsorship revenue. There is a role for national and regional bodies to inform and upskill club leaders across all codes on how to be more “commercially savvy”. PHOTO: Pixabay Andrew Miller said, “As a player, a father and coach of two players and a committee member for sports fields and lights, has massively impacted Wānaka Associated Football Club I do have the the growth and development of our sport for a opinion that the lack of resources, in particular number of years.”
Two-million-dollar watersports facility now open
President of New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC), Mike Stanley, and rower Pipi Horan cutting the ribbon.
PHOTOS: Supplied
Trustees Carrie Wallis, Nic Blennerhassett, Michael Sidey, Jackie Boyd and Mick Hollyer cutting the celebration cake.
THE THRILL OF THE FORBIDDEN
THE THRILL OF THE FORBIDDEN Damon Plimmer blessing of the building.
NEW
NEW The new facility.
Abby Costen
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Phone: 03 443 8000 Top of Helwick Street, Wānaka OPENING HOURS: 8AM TO 7PM 7 DAYS PAGE 12
The stunning $2million water sports facility on Lake Wānaka’s foreshore has opened to the public. The official opening involved a Maori Blessing and speeches, and representatives were on hand to explain the asset. Wānaka Watersports Facility (WWSF) is a community project with charitable status that provides a lakeshore base for watersports. Watersports groups already involved with
THURSDAY 28.11.19 - WEDNESDAY 04.12.19
the project include kayaking, multi-sport, rowing and swimming clubs, however the facility is not restricted to clubs and is available to the public on a ‘user pay’ basis. Changing areas, showers, toilets, lockers, boat storage and a gym is on offer to all lake users. Two public toilets and several bike racks can also be found along the west exterior wall. The building is clad with cedar and corten – materials said to ensure empathy with Wānaka’s natural autumn colours.
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Sun Views
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Crimeline Henderson I Ian Senior Constable, NZPD Local Police have been kept busy with a number of incidents over the last week, so here is a summary. On Monday 18 November a mountain bike was taken from the bike stands at Wānaka Primary School. It has a khaki frame with white writing, front shocks and front and rear lights. If you know the whereabouts of this bike please contact Wānaka Police. Also on Monday Police received a complaint of damage to the rear of the National Bank in Ardmore Street over the weekend. A line of enquiry is being followed up. On Wednesday 20 November Police assisted Queenstown Lakes District Council staff dealing with the illegal parking at the base of Mt Roy. The yellow lines are not to be parked on as the adjacent paddock space is there for the overflow parking, so please use it. On Thursday 21, a property on Lake Hāwea waterfront was the subject of a burglary which was committed by a very determined burglar. A suspicious vehicle was seen in the area around the same time. If anyone has any information about this please give us a call.
Later on the Thursday evening, two local males were processed for drink-driving, and a local woman was charged with driving while disqualified. On Saturday 23 Police were advised of a small boat coming to shore opposite the Ardmore St bars. The male occupants exited and wandered off into various bars but were not located. The boat was secured on the foreshore. Alcohol and boating, especially at night without life jackets is a disaster waiting to happen. On Saturday evening, a further three drivers were processed for drink-driving, a far from ideal result for the weekend. Early that morning, Police attended a serious motor vehicle accident on SH 6 near the Wānaka Airport. The firearms amnesty was conducted at Wānaka on 15 and 16 November at the Upper Clutha Rugby Club and the response was very positive. The final date held here in Wānaka is December 8. You must complete the on-line forms first if you wish to hand in any illegal firearms or accessories. A reminder with the current weather being rather damp and windy, do your homework if you are intending to head out onto the lakes or into the mountains, just so that SAR won’t have to come looking for you. Have a safe week. (Kei te wiki haumaru)
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NATURE by Forest and Bird
What if Foulden Maar was made of neodymium? The point of our Forest & Bird monthly column is to inform you about our natural world; to highlight the challenges we face in protecting it; to ask for your help in defending it; and to make you think. So let us think about the implications of the ongoing campaign to save Foulden Maar near Dunedin. There are excellent reasons to oppose mining at this site, an ancient lake deposit of diatomite containing fossils of global significance. Most Kiwis also oppose mining on the conservation estate, as national opposition to such proposals recently showed. We must protect our precious wilderness, our wetlands, our drylands, and all our biodiversity — they are diminishing before our eyes. They are valuable for their own sake, for the natural capital they provide, and for the inspiration they give us in an increasingly artificial world. Selling Foulden Maar diatomite as pig food was never a good idea But what if it had been full of neodymium? Neodymium is a ‘rare earth’
metal, essential for making the magnets used in computers, cars and cellphones. Fossil fuels can be replaced, but there are no alternatives to rare earths in our gadgets. Can you do without yours? Our entire Western lifestyle is addicted to mining. We eat off metal spoons; we fly in metal aircraft. We get our electricity from metal turbines or PV panels, and blog about it on devices containing gold — and neodymium — and wear gold earrings. We can filter our beer through crushed diatomite. Our banned plastic bags were made of mined oil. Mining is totally embedded in our daily lives. Mineral deposits (including oil) are formed, and found, in places defined by natural geological processes. They are not everywhere; that’s why there is no gold mine under your house. Mineral deposits do not obey human laws or legal boundaries. They form over millions of years, not human life spans. Deposits are finite; once they are mined, refined, made into cellphones and spoons,
The Informant The new Trusts Act 2019 will come into force on the 30th January 2021. This is a long lead in time for any piece of legislation to take effect. The reason for the delay are the major changes coming as part of the reporting and compliance measures on both new and existing trusts. Typically trusts have been a favourite choice of structure for those clients wishing to keep the entity off any of the public domain registers. Companies are registered with their details being openly available to anyone who cares to look. This level of openness does not lend a company structure suitable for everyone needs. Trusts have been a great tool in the past for a number of reasons. Some of the historic reasons we have seen are protection against death duties, isolating assets from individual parties for protection against relationship property claims, keeping financial arrangements and asset holdings confidential together with the sheltering of income away from personal names for Child Support and Working for Families entitlements. Overtime a number of these benefits have passed by the wayside but New Zealanders still maintain a large number of trusts and they will remain a useful tool.
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PHOTO: Supplied
Neodymium is a ‘rare earth’ metal, essential for making the magnets used in computers, cars and cellphones.
and sold in shops and petrol stations, they are gone. End of story. There is no second crop of minerals: ‘sustainable mining’ is impossible. By opposing mining Foulden Maar, or mining on conservation land, we save an invaluable scientific site, or halt despoliation and loss
One of the major changes of the new act is the requirement for beneficiaries to be notified by the trustees of the existence of the trust and what it does. Most family trusts we deal with are discretionary meaning the trustees have full discretion as to the eventual distribution of income and assets of the trust. Allocations can vary between the named beneficiaries with no hard rules. Unless a trust is designated with fixed distribution requirements it will prove a difficult task for the trustees to advise beneficiaries of their exact entitlement. I can imagine a letter something to the effect “By the way you are potentially able to benefit from the assets we have in this trust but there is no guarantee whether that will be the case or not” will be hard for a beneficiary to interpret and will most likely result in further questions. We are also anticipating that this disclosure requirement will make some trustees slightly nervous. Not every trustee will be wanting to inform beneficiaries of potential entitlements. A practice that has been followed in the past for many years in a number of trusts is allocation of income to children of trustees who haven’t been paid the cash out in full. This has left a liability on the books of the trust that some beneficiaries will not be aware exists. It provides an interesting question as to what demands could be
of biodiversity. But if other mineral deposits have been mined out and exhausted, and all that remains – including our hypothetical neodymium mine – is in our precious places, what then? Do we mine these places until they too are exhausted? No? But if there is no more mining, there are no new cell phones. Or petrol. We cannot continue to consume finite resources, be they ecosystems or raw materials. Already humans exceed the carrying capacity of the planet by August each year: we are eating ourselves out of house, home and spaceship Earth (see www.overshootday.org). So what do we do? Could we perhaps consume less, and use what we already have, more wisely? Refuse, reduce, repair, re-use, repurpose, recycle. Think about it. There is a lot of neodymium in the Victoria Flats landfill. Mo Turnbull is a committee member of the local branch of Forest & Bird and is a retired geologist, who used to work with mining and oil companies. – By Mo Turnbull
made on the trustees by that beneficiary knowing they have been allocated income in the past but are yet to receive the full amount of funds. I find clients are likely to have differing levels of financial openness with regard their family and their financial affairs. Often senior family members who control matters are not making full financial disclosures to their children. This does tend to change as children get older but the definition of an adult will move to 18 years of age from 20. Personally I view 18 as being relatively young. It will be interesting to see how trustees view this. There are some positives from the new legislation as one of its goals was to reduce compliance costs and simplify matters. To this end dispute resolution processes can follow mediation and arbitration processes rather than through the courts. The life span of trusts is possible to extend up to 125 years from the present 80 year cap. This doesn’t mean that existing trust will automatically gain this time extension however. Overall this new legislation will see many of those who have trusts call into question the need to maintain them. Independent trustees will become harder to source as the duties imposed on trustees are being stepped up. 2020 will be the year to review your trusts.
THURSDAY 28.11.19 - WEDNESDAY 04.12.19
Shane Gibson Principal - Business Advisory Audit | Tax | Advisory Main: +64 3 443 0086 Direct: +64 3 443 0832 Email: shane.gibson@findex.co.nz www.findex.co.nz Ground Floor, Brownston House, 21 Brownston Street, Wanaka 9305 PO Box 104, Wanaka 9343
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DANCE AND MUSIC RESULTS 2019
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Please send sports results to sports@thewanakasun.co.nz by Tuesday at noon. Results should be unformatted and presented in the body of the email. DANCE WĀNAKA ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS: for achievement, work etiquette and improvement in class throughout the year. JAZZ: Ema Kralik, Elsie Graham, Violet Conyngham, Olivia Buchanan, Astaria Lippe, Madison Lovelock, Hannah Gillespie, Caitlin ODonnell, Annie Wells, Ana Olley, Matilda Metcalfe, Aimee Harrold, Jaimee Vink, Cecilia Gardner. BALLET: Ruby Garland, Charlotte Crosbie, Aika Scott, Harriet McKay, Annabel Harridge, Tia Condren, Vinnie Vickers, Carys Miller, Amelia Sramek, Vanessa Vickers, Ruby Mclachlan. HIP HOP: Charlotte Martin, Hana Carnie, Freya Jefferies, Hazel Mcrae, Zoe Waddington, Savannah Abell, Ryan Enoka, Daisy Orbell, Holly Gibson. CONTEMPORARY: Emily Hunt, Holly Ingham, Charlotte Hunt, Zoe Frazer. TAP: Olive Sinclair. ACRO: Vaali Hocking EXCELLENCE AWARDS - awarded for highest examination marks in the school. BALLET: Dance Wānaka Trophy (Primary exams) - Eliza Metcalfe Kjelgaard Trophy (Graded exams) - Grace Thomas Martin trophy (Major Exams) - Tayla Doran JAZZ: Owen Trophy (Primary exams) - Charlotte Martin Gibson Trophy (Junior exams) - Cienna Hearle Dance Wanaka Trophy (Elementary exams) Grace Thomas
Young Family Trophy (Intermediate exams) Isobella Soper Thomas Trophy (Advanced exams) - Cecilia Gardner) CONTEMPORARY: Neale Trophy (Junior exams) - Grace Thomas Gardner Trophy (Senior Exams) - Jaimee Vink TAP: Dance Wānaka Trophy - Elizabeth Pell HIP HOP: Macpherson Cup (Junior Hip Hop exams) - Grace Thomas Jolly Cup (Senior Hip Hop exams - Holly Gibson SPECIAL AWARDS: Walsh Family Trophy for Most Improved Performer: Vanessa Vickers Hutton Family Trophy for Dedication in Dance : Zoe Frazer TOP TIER AWARDS: These dancers received the highest honours by Asia Pacific Dance Association. They achieved Top 5 highest marks in Australasia for their respective exam levels. Boh Fairmaid - Primary La Beaute Ballet Isabel Martin - Jazz Elementary 1 Grace Thomas - Jazz Elementary 3, Lucidity Contemporary Level 5, Hip Hop Level 5 Jaimee Vink - Lucidity Contemporary Level 9
piano with merit); Aria Winter (grade 4 piano with merit); Lillian Eastwood (grade 4 piano with merit); Rhian Telfer (grade 3 piano with merit); Bayne Deaton (grade 3 piano with merit); Grace Thomas (grade 2 piano with distinction); Erica Hudson (grade 2 piano); Ben Hilton (grade 2 piano with merit); Bryne Bloxham (grade 2 piano with merit); Monte Halliday (grade 1 piano with merit); Hannah Thomas (grade 1 piano with merit); Laila Telfer (grade 1 piano with distinction); Arnaud Mackenzie (grade 1 piano with merit); Alexi Sheehan (grade 1 piano with merit); Molly Phillips (grade 1 piano with merit); Jessica Parker (grade 1 piano with merit); Rui Hwang (initial piano with merit); Caroline Smith (initial piano with merit); Hank Weathington (initial piano with merit); Ruby Smith (grade 1 flute with distinction); Grace Gillies (grade 1 flute with merit); Erica Hudson (grade 1 flute with merit); Lena Pollard (grade 2 flute with merit); Amy Benson (grade 2 clarinet with merit); Kimiya Byrne (grade 6 clarinet with (high) merit); Eliza Rowley (grade 1 clarinet with merit); Alice Porter (grade 1 clarinet with merit); Kahurangi Nepia (grade 5 jazz saxophone with merit); Giovanni Austin-Moorhouse (grade 5 violin); Adrienne Lategan (grade 5 violin with merit); Stella Dineen (grade 1 guitar with merit); Annalise Wedgwood (grade 1 guitar with distinction); George Holland Plectrum (grade 3 guitar); Isabel Sheehan (NZMSM grade 2 music theory with distinction); Carlos Parker CLASSICALLY MUSIC RESULTS Estelle Norman (grade 8 piano with distinction); (ABRSM grade 4 piano with merit); Matilda Metcalfe Isobel Smith (grade 6 piano); Caleb Eason (grade (ABRSM grade 2 jazz piano with merit); Oliver Prince 5 piano with distinction); Abby McArthur (grade 5 (ABRSM grade 2 theory with distinction).
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THANKS Thanks to everyone who comes to Wastebusters to donate goods, shop and recycle. Your support helps us work for zero waste and a resourceful community.
NOTICES 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.
WANTED Merino, if anyone has any Merino clothing to spare could you kindly drop it into the Salvation Army Family Store, 48 Helwick Street The Salvation Army Family Store is desperately needing good quality mens clothing and shoes. If you could please just drop these into the store or phone for a pick up for large amounts. Volunteers welcomed at The Salvation Army Family store if you have some free time and would like to be part of a team which makes a difference, come and see us.
SERVICES Wanaka Pharmacy is your local pharmacy. We’re the big pharmacy at the top of Helwick Street - open from 8am until 7pm every single day. Ph 443 8000
FOR SALE Washing machine and drier for sale both Indesit, hardly used been in holiday home $150 each or 2 for $250, - excellent working order 021 126 0053. Old fashioned chain bike (3) wheels for sale -in great order a real classic! red & white great idea for Christmas $150.
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PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
EMPLOYMENT
BUSY AT WĀNAKA POOL
BARISTA AND LIBRARIAN
4 NOVEMBER – 6 DECEMBER
Local primary schools are visiting Wānaka Recreation Centre for their school swimming and water safety programme. Until Friday 6 December there’ll be very limited public access to the learners’ pool between 9.00am-12.00pm every weekday except Thursdays when half the pool will be free between 9.00am-2.00pm. Other pool users may wish to schedule their visits to the learners’ pool around these times. Five lanes in the lap pool will remain free for public swimming between 9.00am–2.00pm weekdays during this period. Many thanks for your co-operation while our local children learn these essential life skills. For more info please call (03) 443 9334 or email wrc@qldc.govt.nz
(part time position: up to 10 hours per week)
AGM 2019 We invite you to join us for our Annual General Meeting Date: Thursday, 28th November 2019, 4.30pm Venue: Lake Wanaka Centre
RSVP: executive@shapingourfuture.org.nz or phone Anita 021 222 1231
All welcome! www.shapingourfuture.org.nz
We are excited that our brand new school, Te Kura O Take Kārara will have a commercial coffee machine and an open plan library in the administration block. Our cafe is seen as a key element in connecting and building relationships amongst our parents and community. We are seeking applications for the role of barista and librarian commencing late January 2020. Barista and library management training will be provided, but any experience in these areas would be beneficial. A barista’s certificate would be an advantage. If you would like to register your interest in the role please email office@takekarara.school.nz A job description is available on request. Applications close Wednesday, 4th December 2019.
Now is the time to come together as a community and direct the future of freshwater for our district
SUN TEAM
WĀNAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER
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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 Abby Costen • 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 Deadlines: Display Advertising Classified Advertising Subscriptions:
4pm Friday prior to publication. adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz 021 786 740 5pm Monday prior admin@thewanakasun.co.nz $175 within NZ (including GST) per year. Overseas rates on request. Remittances to PO Box 697, Wānaka, NZ.
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position at Town Centre Hotel, 20-30 hours per week, season dependant. Successful Applicant must be long term Wanaka Resident, Physically Fit and good at problem solving. Able to work unsupervised and show initiative, experience in Basic Maintenance and Gardening beneficial but not essential as full training will be given. Applications close Sunday 8th December, position would be starting in the New Year. Please email your CV and Application Letter to jo@wanakahotel.co.nz or drop into Wanaka Hotel Reception, 71 Ardmore Street.
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We are seeking a flexible and friendly caretaker for our brand new school, Te Kura O Take Kārara in Wanaka, commencing late January 2020. Our caretaker role will be casual on-call for 2020, but could lead to more responsibility and hours from 2021. Key functions will include: • Building maintenance as and when is required- excluding grounds and lawns • The supervision of our reasonably sophisticated heating and air-conditioning system. Full training will be provided but experience in this area would be an advantage • Supervision of irrigation and alarms systems If you would like to register your interest in the role please email office@takekarara.school.nz A job description is available on request. Applications close Wednesday, 4th December 2019.
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Calling all good kids
PHOTO: Supplied
The youngest riders age 6-8: from left to right Stevie Duncan, Isla Taylor, and Bailey Blackmore. Behind them are, Dee Gordon, and Judy Thomas, coaches at the pony club.
Passionate pony riders complete certificates Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Last Saturday seven young riders passed their various certificates at the local Pony Club grounds based in Wanaka/ Hawea. The Hāwea-Wānaka Pony Club is as a branch of the Central Otago Pony Club, which is part of the Otago Southland Pony Club Area, where all of the members are working towards their NZPCA certificates. Members have a mix of ridden rallies with at least one theory and horsemanship rally a month. Pony Club meets most Wednesdays at 4.30 pm at the Hāwea Domain in Lake Hāwea.
Pony Club is held from August to May, with a break over winter. The youngest riders between ages six and eight, completing their D certificates, were: Stevie Duncan, Isla Taylor, and Bailey Blackmore. Participating in the event, Dee Gordon, who has been involved with the local pony club since its inception, Fe Howie, who is currently acting as head coach at the Pony Club and Judy Thomas, who is currently a coach at the Pony Club. The group of riders in the age 12-13, completing their D+ certificates, were: Sienna Collins, Lily Cousins, Jessie Dye. Least but not last, Makayla Rasmussen, age 19, completing her C certificate.
Nominate someone you know who spreading goodness in the community.
Francesca Maria Nespolo
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Nominations for the upcoming Kahu Youth Volunteers Awards 2019 are still open: “Anyone can nominate a young between 11 and 18 for doing something nice for someone else in the community. No paid or community work is accepted,” said Richard Elvey from Kahu Youth Trust. The organisation usually gets around 20 or 30 nominations from across the community, but they hope to receive even more for the sixth Youth Volunteer Awards. There will be different categories for who is nominated based on age and prizes for the winners, but the overall one will receive a free 12,000 ft skydive experience from Skydive Wanaka. “We do these awards to celebrate all the good young people contribute to the community. Bad news travels fast, tends to make more news and stays in the collective memories a lot longer. We are trying to redress the balance a little, there are so many amazing young people
PHOTO: Kahu Youth Trust
out there doing things that no one really knows about,” explained Elvey. “In the past we have had things ranging from hundreds of hours with St Johns, The youth 'Lions', Duke of Edinburgh, sports coaching, shaving their heads to raise money for charity, giving up lunchtimes to teach younger ones musical instruments, working with Food for Love, Volunteering at Warbirds, the Rotary Book sale and Duck Race and more and more,” said Elvey. The Kahu Youth Volunteer Awards 2019 will take place from 6-8pm on Thursday December 5. The occurrence aims to celebrate the awesome work done by the youth of the Upper Clutha District. If know someone who has done good in the community, you can nominate them by emailing uppercluthayouthcouncil@ gmail.com, downloading a nomination form from www. kahuyouth.org or picking up a nomination slips at the Mount Aspiring College student office. Please include the nominee's name, age, gender, contact details and a description of what they have done. Nominations will close on Monday December 2, 2019.
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Wanaka THURSDAY 28.11.19 - WEDNESDAY 04.12.19
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