The Wanaka Sun

Open until 7pm every night

Thur 18.04.13 - wed 24.04.13

free

everyone reads the wanaka sun

inside:

Phone fuss offensive page 3

Kapahaka performance

A celebration in colour

page 8

The New Zealand Guitar Quartet, in a sell-out performance, played on the opening day of the six-day Festival of Colour, in the Central Lakes Trust Crystal Palace.

sunviews

PHOTO: wanaka.tv

page 11

No response to 1000 signatures Caroline Harker

Veterans’ tennis page 12

Rippers take on tackling page 16

rental listings

sunclassifieds

page 15

There will be no public meetings or consultation with the council or community board on issues relating to changes at the library despite objections in the form of a protest march, large public forums at both council and community board meetings during the last week and a petition with more than 1000 signatures. Supporters are asking that library staff numbers are not cut from seven to three, and that the library does not become a council customer service centre as well as a library, as recommended in the leaked QLDC organisational review.

Mayor Vanessa van Uden and CEO Adam Feeley issued an open letter yesterday making it clear there will be no public consultation: “The draft proposals …are not a matter which could appropriately be regarded as a matter of sufficient magnitude to warrant public consultation,” they said.

The Protect Wanaka Library group

organiser Nicola Martinovich said members see the proposals as substantial, and they will continue to try to find out more details. “We are hoping that now the opportunity for staff to submit on the proposals is over, council will share both their cost benefit analysis and their plans,”

document which claims standards of service would not change, and the open letter which states the review “does not include closing or diminishing library services, quite the opposite, we aim to enhance services”.

Mayor Vanessa van Uden said the

The draft proposals …are not a matter which could appropriately be regarded as a matter of sufficient magnitude to warrant public consultation. she said.

Both Wanaka Community Board chair Lyal Cocks and councillor Leigh Overton have told the Wanaka Sun they don’t believe three librarians could offer the same standard of service that patrons currently receive from seven. This is in agreement with the protestors and in contrast with the Council’s organisation review

bottom line is that the existing level of service be maintained. “That’s it as far as I’m concerned,” she said.

“Actual staff numbers – that’s a matter for the chief executive.”

Community board member Bryan Lloyd said he has faith in the review team and councillor Jude Battson said levels of service at the library will be maintained.

Members of Protect Wanaka Library believe there is a legal obligation for council to consult the public, as well as a moral one.

“Most people in the district have a friend or relation affected by the review. That’s why transparency and sound process is super important in this case,” member Sue Coutts said.

Public objections to the library doubling as a council service centre have been widespread and councillor Leigh Overton said he too is opposed to the council service centre being in the library. “ I believe we need to keep existing council operations at the present office and bring the staff from Lakes Environmental into the same area in some way,” he said. “This would provide a simple and logical point of contact for the public, and allow the library to function without distractions from other activities.

It would also avoid the problem of access at the library where parking is inadequate to provide for the public if extra services were there.”

sunnews

Toddlers’ pool uncertain A public learners’ pool in Wanaka suitable for teaching toddlers to swim is still “under review” with no set date or plans yet available from Lakes Leisure.

Attempts to contact Lakes Leisure chief, Ruth Stokes, were unsuccessful with a response from council communications person Rachelle Greene stating: “The costs are variable depending on options, but the Wanaka Learn to Swim pool project is still under review, with options being considered

to address challenges with the existing facility rather than the introduction of a new pool. We expect to make a recommendation to councillors on a way

pool that could be installed on grounds alongside the present community pool in Wanaka with an estimated cost of “about $55,000”.

The costs are variable depending on options, but the Wanaka Learn to Swim pool project is still under review. forward in the next couple of months.”

Earlier this year Ruth said the organisation was considering a temporary

Pilot Pezaro not guilty A former Wanaka local has waited almost three years for a military tribunal verdict on his role in a fatal Air Force helicopter crash early on ANZAC Day, 2010.

Flight Lieutenant

Daniel Pezaro, 30, is the son of retired GP Dr Dennis Pezaro and attended Wanaka Primary School and Mount Aspiring College before joining the Air Force.

He had been leading

a three-helicopter formation when the second Iroquois helicopter crashed into a Kapiti Coast hillside, killing three crewmen and seriously injuring a fourth.

He had been charged

with negligence for failing to abort the transit flight when cloud dropped below minimum height but was found not guilty at a military tribunal at Ohakea Air Force base on Tuesday.

‘’It’s a high priority and we won’t be dragging the chain,’’ she told a Wanaka Community Board meeting in January.

Festival launched Waiariki Parata-Taiapa (pictured) gave an early morning mihi and karakia before fellow Ngai Tahu representative and festival trustee, Suzanne Ellison, spoke on behalf of the iwi on Tuesday at the official launch of the 2013 Festival of Colour.

PHOTO: wanaka.tv

Poppies for ANZAC Day The RSA is looking for more volunteers for Poppy Day tomorrow. “I am getting good support from volunteers to man the collection points, but there is still room for more help which would be most appreciated,” coordinator Lyal Cocks said.

There will be a ANZAC Day dawn service (7am) at the Lake Hawea dam and a service in the Lake Wanaka Centre at 9.30am followed by a parade through town to memorial hill on Chalmers Street where there will be a wreath-laying ceremony. “It is a wonderful place to pay tribute and the view from the memorial across Lake Wanaka is a fitting reminder of how fortunate and thankful we are for the sacrifices made by the people we remember on ANZAC Day,” Lyal said.

Underage drinking troubling Tim Brewster

advertise in the

wanakasun colour & design

Page

call 03 443 5252

Despite efforts by a number of parents, community workers and police, underage drinking is still considered “normalised behaviour” for a number of Wanaka youth, police say.

Recent parties at private homes police have been called to have involved

unsupervised youths as young as 16 involved in drinking games, such as not being allowed to leave until drunk, and other “drinking challenges,” police youth aid officer Phil Vink said.

“It’s really difficult for parents to manage.

Police want to support parents and a lot of likeminded parents are trying

to support each other, but there is very much a division on what different parents do.”

He said police are still picking up school children who have been drinking in various parts of town and returning them home, with their parents often unaware where they are.

“Parents need to be aware of what their kids are

Thursday 18 April to Wednesday 24 April 2013

up to.”

There has been an improvement in education and public awareness on the problems of underage drinking, but youth in Wanaka seem more exposed to the problem compared to other towns, he said.

sunnews

DOC news possibly now July Tim Brewster Department of Conservation staff in Wanaka may have to wait at least until late July to find out their “personal outcomes” decided by head office on the future of their jobs and the centre’s programmes.

A list of questions sent to the national DOC office which asked about: proposed changes to resources for programmes; job descriptions for the new ranger positions replacing the programme manager jobs; the amount of control local staff will have over decisions and the change in ratio for managers and frontline staff was responded to by DOC communications

advisor, Lizzy Sutcliffe.

“It’s way too early to talk about final decisions. The general process once the staff consultation period finishes [on April12]

staff will be informed.

DOC will then work with staff and their representatives though a process to confirm staff in new roles and assess options for redeployment

Phone fuss offensive

It’s hoped that staff will know their personal outcomes by the end of July.

PHOTO: tim brewster

is as follows: Staff submissions will be considered and it is expected that the proposal will be modified as a result of feedback. DOC is aiming to make a final decision on the new structure within several weeks.

Once the structure is finalised, affected

and relocation. It’s hoped that staff will know their personal outcomes by the end of July.”

DOC staff are still under orders not to discuss their employment situation with the media.

Tim Brewster Criticism of QLDC chief executive Adam Feeley’s seeming preoccupation with his phone during a public forum last week has left him “dumbfounded.”

“My iPad was flat so I used my phone as a reference to council papers. I was no different to anyone else using their iPads. I heard every submission,” he said.

Adam said people present at the public forum had every opportunity

to approach him after the meeting to discuss the matter with him but chose not to.

“People made derogatory remarks about me [since the meeting] without checking their facts,” he said, “I’m rather offended by that.”

No conflict of interest Caroline Harker The mayor’s husband Peter Laurenson has been appointed acting CEO of Lakes Environmental (LE), following the resignation of Hamish Dobbie (after the release of the council’s draft organisational review).

Mayor Vanessa van Uden said this does not create a conflict of interest. “The public is smart enough to comprehend that this situation has been well-recognised and will continue to be dealt with entirely appropriately,” she said.

Peter was previously working at LE as a building manager. Vanessa is currently an interim director of LE and said

Thursday 18 April to Wednesday 24 April 2013

she will be stepping down from this position. “As a result of the appointment of Pete as acting CEO, made on Friday last week, I will stand aside from that

my household nor to many councillors’ households in a small community like ours,” Vanessa said.

“We have become wellaccustomed to identifying

The combination of a closed-door review process and a personal connection between key players is always going to make people twitchy. role when council can be got together to appoint another director.

“Disclosing any conflict of interest is the way you deal with a situation like this and quite frankly disclosure is not foreign to

potential conflicts and taking the appropriate action to avoid them.”

Ratepayersareconcerned thissituationdoesnotmarry well with the operational review of the council which is taking place without

public consultation.

“The combination of a closed-door review process and a personal connection between key players is always going to make people twitchy,” Sue Coutts told the Wanaka Sun. When the council announced last month that both LE and Lakes Leisure will be “disestablished”, LE chairman Anne Urlwin and directorsNickBrown,Jeffery Brown and Mike Coburn resigned. QLDC chief financial officer Stewart Burns was appointed to the board with Vanessa and Adam Feeley as interim directors.

Page

sunnews

Cakes for DOC day Staff at the Wanaka DOC office may be uncertain of their future with the organisation but have been cheered by the community support they have been receiving. Staff were treated to three cakes and a visit by Forest & Bird representatives on a national ‘Love DOC Day’ last Thursday.

By lunchtime more than 1000 people had emailed messages of support, which were transcribed to Postit notes, and placed onto DOC buildings in 26 locations around the country, from Warkworth to Invercargill. One message of support came from South

Africa’s Gough Island Antarctic base in the mid-South Atlantic Ocean. A message was also sent by Forest & Bird to DOC’s team on Raoul Island, in the Kermadec Group.

manager Kevin Hackwell said.

Wanaka’s DOC area manager, Paul Hellebrekers, whose position is one of the five to be disestablished, said

My team really do appreciate the community support they are presently receiving.

“It was impossible to deliver any cakes, but at least we could let the country’s most isolated workers know how much New Zealanders appreciate the work they do,” Forest & Bird’s advocacy

he will hopefully be able to comment on the changes later in the month.

“My team really do appreciate the community support they are presently receiving,” he said.

Hawea wastewater The new Hawea wastewater land treatment irrigation system has been running every night since mid-December. A crop of lucerne which was sown in late January is well-established and will be harvested in the spring. De-sludging of the Hawea treatment pond is now completed.

Page

PHOTO: gilbert van reenen

In Buchanan’s boot steps Caroline Harker Finding the sites where 19th Century explorer and botanist John Buchanan had drawn and painted his best-known illustrations and then creating a photographic record of them, was quite a commission for Wanaka photographer Gilbert van Reenen. The project took him from the summit of Mount Alta to the hills of Shag Point and he is giving an illustrated lecture about his adventures next Friday night (April 26).

The commission came from the NZ Centre for Art Research at Auckland University and Gilbert’s photographs are part of an exhibition called “Art in the Service of Science: Dunedin’s John Buchanan (1819-1898)”, currently showing at the Gus Fisher Gallery in Auckland.

Originally a calico

pattern designer in a Glasgow textile mill, Buchanan immigrated to New Zealand in 1852 and spent the next 47 years botanising and illustrating.

“I’m in awe of the detail and precision of Buchanan’s drawings and his productivity, given the arduous nature of his travels and travails in the 1860s landscape,” Gilbert said. “I’m also amazed at the depth of his knowledge of natural history.”

Buchanan spent several months in the Wanaka area on a geological and botanical survey for Sir James Hector. He was the first man to climb Mount Alta, and the Buchanan Peaks on the western flank of Lake Wanaka are named after him. He is best known for a 1863 watercolour of Mitre Peak and Milford Sound, currently housed in the Hocken Library. Now insured for $2 million, the painting was not recognised as a significant

Thursday 18 April to Wednesday 24 April 2013

artwork until the 1950s.

Gilbert’s lecture is organised by the Upper Clutha U3A and is open to the public. Pictured here is a woodcut by Buchanan and Gilbert’s photograph which is taken from below Trig Hill on Glenfoyle Station near Luggate. Treble Cone , Black Peak, Mount Alta and the Buchanan range can be seen on the skyline in the distance.

See sunspots for details.

sunnews

Olá amigos

crimescene Drunk on steps, roundabout rules Last Wednesday police attended a non-injury collision at the Dungarvon Street and Brownston Street intersection when a motorist failed to stop and check the way was clear.

Police have issuing fines to motorists who fail to stop at stop signs, and have been speaking with motorists about the roundabout rules this week.

A 23-year-old male drink driver, who was driving an unregistered car that had no warrant, will be facing a court appearance.

At 3.50am on Sunday police found a 28-yearold Riverton male sleeping on the stairs at Four Square. The man was so drunk he could not speak and he ended up in a police cell.

Caroline Harker The Latin Fiesta theme of this year’s Art in the Park enticed large numbers of Spanish-speaking locals to the event on Saturday.

“I was amazed at the number of Spanish speakers here,” organiser Fran Tate said. Fran

and her husband Gary have been running the event at Minaret Lodge since 2001.

The fiesta featured Wellington band 4xTANGO which specializes in Buenos Aires street and tango music, a feast of South American food from asado to empanadas, Argentinean and Chilean

wine, and locals Janey and Rob Johnston tango dancing for the crowds. About 700 attended the event which also featured local artists and musicians. “We had some magnificent musicians and a really strong representation of local artists,” Fran said.

“People seemed to love the

Latin theme. There seems to be a lot of interest in South America again.”

This year’s guest artist was Neal Palmer. This year the funds raised will go to the Wanaka Ski and Snowsports Club for the 2014 Winter Olympians the club is supporting.

A red, Specialized, 10-speed push bike, with no hand grips, was stolen from a Brownston Street address while the owner was attending a party there.

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

PHOTO: wanaka.tv

Thursday 18 April to Wednesday 24 April 2013

Page

Page

Thursday 18 April to Wednesday 24 April 2013

Thursday 18 April to Wednesday 24 April 2013

Page

ticketgiveaway

sunnews

Easy Sunday morning The Wanaka Sun has two pairs of tickets to give away to Amiria Grenell’s Festival of Colour concert at the Central Lakes Trust Crystal Palace on Ardmore Street at 11am this Sunday April 21.

Amiria has toured New Zealand and Melbourne with ‘Fly My Pretties’, won Best Folk Album in the New Zealand Music Awards 2012, performed at the International Jazz Festival, Kaikoura Roots Festival, Luminate and WOMAD. To enter the draw to win, simply email your details to admin@thewanakasun.co.nz with Amiria in the subject line by 2pm Friday (April 19).

Tarras water project on track The six resolutions that will enable Tarras Water Limited to issue its upcoming prospectus were voted on and approved by 95 percent of shareholders and proxies attending a Special General Meeting on Friday at the Tarras Community Hall. The company intends to issue a prospectus within the next week.

“The mood at the meeting and the social gathering afterwards was one of great positivity and optimism,” Tarras Water Ltd chairman Peter Jolly said. “It’s a hugely important development for the wider Tarras community to know

Page

that the project’s well and truly on track. It will be a catalyst for farmers who can now develop their businesses with a huge degree of certainty, enabling them to create a future for the next generation.”

The scheme is designed to irrigate 5999 hectares with 100 percent reliable irrigation drawn from the Clutha River. Capital construction costs are set at $37.3 million with a capital structure of 70 percent debt and 30 percent equity.

The two principal resolutions at the meeting agreed the company could enter into a fixed-

price contract for construction of the scheme, and it could enter into a $27 million bank facility agreement that has been confirmed in unconditional terms.

Peter said the design of the scheme was “meticulous” in delivering water to areas that were commercially irrigable, and had been incredibly well-researched. The project will take just one percent of the summer water flow out of the Clutha River and leave water in the Lindis River ”which will be a great environmental outcome for both locals and the wider public,”

Kapahaka performance

kapa haka

Holly James, Chilli Papai and Kate Barrett from Hawea Flat School were pictured at the Uruuruwhenua Schools Kapahaka Festival in Molyneux Park on Sunday. Fifteen schools, including Cromwell and Wanaka primary schools, participated in the festival. More than 40 children from Hawea Flat School performed two waiata, taught to them by Jeromy Van Riel and Janis Sandri.

PHOTO: supplied

MAC adventure racers win MAC students claimed first place in the boys’ team event at the New Zealand secondary schools’ adventure racing championships held in Cromwell on Saturday.

The team (pictured) of Teegan Vink, 15, Jayden Fisher, 14, Kyrin Gray, 15 and Craig Murray, 14, were among more than 30 teams who mountainbiked, trekked up the Carrick range, abseiled, completed a frisbee challenge and an orienteering course, kayak and run.

It was the first time Cromwell had hosted the championships, and organiser Bill Godsall said he was delighted by how it went, with some fantastic results achieved by the competitors.

The event began at 6am on Saturday, with the top teams finishing the

PHOTO: supplied

course in around seven hours, with the last teams finishing in around 12 hours, Bill said.

He was impressed by all of the

Thursday 18 April to Wednesday 24 April 2013

competitors and said parts of the course would have pushed some of them to their limit.

“They were stunning kids. I didn’t hear one kid whinge or cry and everyone finished the course except for one girl who fell off her mountainbike and injured her wrist.”

Several of the top teams had been competing together for the past three years and Bill said that experience really showed in the race and in the results.

Cromwell will host the South Island championships next year, which it had done for the past few years, while the New Zealand championships will be held in the North Island for the next two years, before returning to the South Island.

ds

sunnews

Elsie Agnes Kane (Marett) November 19, 1914 - April 1, 2013 Elsie Kane first became involved in the Central Otago community when she arrived in her mid-20s as a Plunket nurse and continued to play an active part until her mid 90s.

“She was a person who had time for everybody. If you were sick or needed help with the children, or if there was a birth or death, she would come,” Noeline Dickey, a friend of Elsie’s for 70 years said.

Born in Waikouaiti as the oldest of four children and growing up around Otago, Elsie began her general nursing training in 1934 in Dunedin, carried on to do maternity training in Hastings and returned to Dunedin to do Plunket training before starting work as a Plunket nurse in the Central Otago district.

Legends abound of her walking or riding over rough country roads from Ranfurly to Makarora to Cardrona to reach her babies.

During this time she met Stan and they married in 1943 and she went to live on the home farm at Grandview near Luggate. They had five children, four sons and a daughter, and she was actively involved in farm life. She still found time to extend endless hospitality to a great many people.

She was a person who had time for everybody. If you were sick or needed help with the children, or if there was a birth or death, she would come, She also helped raise money to establish the community hall and tennis courts at Luggate and was very involved with the church, teaching Sunday school there for more than 20 years.

Elsie was secretary of the Plunket society for 13 years before being made a Life Member of Plunket and served 11 years on the Vincent Hospital Board.

She was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977 for services to Plunket and used her nursing and Plunket training to do many voluntary deeds such as monthly vaccines for babies and assisting and reassuring new mothers.

In 1981 Elsie and Stan moved off Grandview onto 10 acres at Ironlea but continued to be very involved

in the community and could be seen at most major events in the district. She loved her gardens.

Elsie’s focus changed from the young to the elderly and she was involved in the committee of Ranui Retirement Home in Alexandra for 20 years and actively involved in Senior Citizens for 13 years. She was at her happiest in the kitchen or taking baking to the sick, or delivering meals on wheels, always asking about others.

In recent years, as her sight deteriorated, people knew to identify themselves to her and she recognised everyone by their voice.

She loved being involved with her grandchildren and then her great-grandchildren.

For the last five years Elsie and Stan were part of the Elmslie retirement community. She is succeeded by her five children Allan, Neil, Heather, Colin and Geoff and her 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Elsie’s family would like to thank the staff at Elmslie House and community for the compassionate care they gave her, allowing her the dignity so important to her.

In Elsie’s own words – thank you for caring.

inbrief National conference Nearly 200 delegates are coming to Wanaka from all around the country for the national Community Board Conference which is being held from May 9 to 11.

It is being held in the Lake Wanaka Centre and the Masonic Lodge.

Local home finalists A Lake Hawea house built by local building company Dunlop Builders and designed by Glamuzina Paterson Architects is one of the six finalists in the Home magazine’s Home of the Year 2013 awards.

It is the first time Dunlop Builders has had a house featured in the magazine. “It is a testament to the great team of builders and subcontractors as well as clients and architects all working together in a sometimes difficult environment,” director Bryce Dunlop said.

‘Stalking’ for the elderly A woman researching the needs of older people in the Upper Clutha said she has resorted to “stalking” people to get them interested in her project. Researcher Sarah Ballard expressed disappointment that no-one from the Wanaka Community Board attended her presentation in March (when, after 15 months, she was midway through her research).

“We are trying to give older people a voice and a forum,” she said. “Soon they will be in the majority in Wanaka,” she said. Community Board chair Lyal Cocks told Sarah the board will definitely get more closely involved in the project.

Correction

Wild bridge work

The Aspiring Avalanche Dogs raised $1600, not $7000 as reported last week, from the raffle of a Treble Cone season pass.

Department of Conservation rangers Dave Grieve and Simon Mazzotti await an air freight load of concrete, piloted by James Ford of Aspiring Helicopters, to pour footings on the new Rob Roy bridge across the West Matukituki River. The original finishing date has been provisionally extended from April 23 to May 4 due to additional engineering work that was unexpected.

PHOTO: supplied

advertise your trade or service fixed position & FREE design

call 03 443 5252

Thursday 18 April to Wednesday 24 April 2013

Page

Page 10

Thursday 18 April to Wednesday 24 April 2013

sunviews

TXT MESSAGE

BOARD Why not take the library out of our rates and apply a door charge? Then the people that want it can pay for it and the rest can use google.

Crown Range tyre marks. We went over the hill the other day and saw the tyre marks. i thought some big truck had a flat tyre. If I were caught doing burnouts I would have my day in court wouldn’t I. QLDC OUGHT 2 B ashamed of themselves.

Are you seriously complaining about slipping on a backcountry track? - try wrapping yourself in cotton wool!

Shame on film company doing energy drink drifting advert on crown range & leaving hideous skid marks to distract drivers & encourage boy racers! More shame on QLDC for allowing without clean up! Not good!

What planet are you on? Make hard calls for the good of the community? Which community would that be? Not this one!

2013 D.C. Zero rate increase. Must be election year. My memory will be better than that on voting day.

Need to save? Fire all councillors & managers who are paid over the average. This will supply wages for librarians for next 10 years.

Not funny how in tight times managers & public servants want to prune services for learning, women & children. Social cannibalism!

Pem Park is neat now & belongs to all NZers as a Rec Reserve. Parking is a problem because of poor planning. The 2 should not be mixed. The park should not be eroded to compensate.

The veneration of progress 4 its own sake has resulted in a world where things take precedence over people.

How pathetic, mototapu track walker! You are not in a suburban tarmaced park. Look where you walk and get on with your outdoor experience!

To the person who feeds the feral cats on mt iron drive.... PLEASE STOP THEY ARE NOT CUTE THEY ARE FERAL....you want cute get a pet cat!!!

QLDC, you must comply with the Local Government Act and have a community consultation regarding the proposed changes to the Wanaka Library Wanaka we need to wake up don’t let QLDC change our precious reserves into building platforms these GREEN areas make Wanaka a very special place OR it will end another Queenstown is that what we want ?

Come to think of it - why do we bother electing mayors & councillors?

editorial While there are some pretty loud rumblings of discontent over proposed changes to our library, Wanaka’s arts scene seems to be going from strength to strength.

We have one of the country’s most enviable events on the calendar with the Festival of Colour and the amount of local participation both in the performances and helping run them gets bigger every year.

One of the most impressive aspects developing in Wanaka over the past few years is the number of young MAC students involved in music, drama and other artistic pursuits, with a number deciding on tertiary studies in those fields.

Combine those homegrown talents with the high rate of participation and achievement in team activities, multisport, skiing and snowboarding and the Upper Clutha area has a culture for young people most communities would love to match.

Something which no doubt nurtures the creative path is the schoolfest initiative which this year is bringing festival talent, from New Zealand’s leading percussion group Strike Percussion to award winning investigative journalist Seymour Hersh, directly to the schools to entertain and engage students from primary to college age.

Response to texts Text If you want to get married, you should be allowed to.

Whether the person you love is the same sex as you or not, should be irrelevant. Expressing yourself is a human right.

People opposing this need to mind their own business and get a life.

Hey there. Feeling tired? Bloated? Grumpy? The answer is simple!! You are.

Damn dogowners! Mt iron track carpark dogpoo now all over my carpet!

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

In my view our most treasured and civilised cultural asset is public libraries. Wherever I have lived I have always found a welcome in those warm, muted, humanising havens. Walking into a library, particularly one you have become familiar with, is, I imagine, like walking into a comfortable old club. The difference being that in a public library all are welcome; anyone and everyone entitled to spend the day there free of charge if they wish. Mansion dwellers and the unemployed bump shoulders and say “excuse me,” before carrying on, quietly, politely and attentively seeking the book that will inform them, entertain them or transport them to another world.

There are no security guards or officials, just friendly librarians eager to assist book lovers. When you think about it, the strange thing is, this unwritten code of community cooperation works.

Chris Horan Lake Hawea

WCB be on notice It is election year and I wonder how many of the existing members of the Community Board will put themselves up for re-election?

Perhaps they believe they have done a good job representing our interests. We may ask who of them have put themselves on the line for Wanaka, what risks have they taken – seems like not a lot but I might be wrong.

I hope each of the members look at themselves and their role very carefully and measure their own efficiency and effectiveness before they completely cave in to their neighbours over the hill.

Sarah Ballard.

Wanaka

Text The ad for declining gay marriage is disgusting.

Disappointed it was allowed to be published.

Response As with the views expressed in the letters and texts, the views expressed in paid advertising are those of the author alone and not those of the Wanaka Sun. The advertisement in question complies with the Advertising Standards Authority’s advertising code of ethics for advocacy advertising.

The Wanaka Sun reserves the right to publish in the interests of Section 14 of the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 which states: Everyone has the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and opinions of any kind in any form.

- Wanaka Sun

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.

write to the editor Let the community know your views, email your letter to: editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

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.

*200 words or less

I hope all the native planting zealots enjoy the festival of colour To the 2 older cyclists biking beacon pt rd wed 17 apr am. Pls wear HI VIS clothes as black n grey doesn’t help drivers when u pull out quickly! 4 yr own safety

Most treasured asset

Issue 605 Thursday April 18, 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 18 April to Wednesday 24 April 2013

Page 11

sunsport

Veterans’ tennis Steve May is pictured in action last weekend when Wanaka Tennis hosted their annual veteran’s fixture with South Canterbury, North Otago and Southland competing in a roundrobin 12-member teams’ tournament. After 995 games were played South

Canterbury were ahead at close of play on Saturday with 14 match wins, closely followed by Wanaka on 12 and the others with 11. On Sunday, Nev Teat and Jason Thorburn, who had been unavailable on the first day, joined the Wanaka team to beat Southland 10-2 and

take the overall title. Devon Hotop was also a stand-out, playing two tie-breakers 8-9(14-16) and 9-8(9-7) as well as working in the kitchen catering.

The final result was Wanaka 22, South Canterbury 19, North Otago 18, Southland 13.

PHOTO: supplied

Dougal, Braden take Wenzhou A four-leg sweep and overall honours of the Wenzhou Adventure challenge in China by Wanaka’s Lone Star team of Braden Currie and Dougal Allan has been a great end to their multisport season.

“Braden and I are thrilled with not just the outcome, but also the way we managed to execute a race plan each day and perform consistently across four days. The other highlight for us was watching Nathan (Fa’avae) and Trevor (Voyce) from team Seagate race superbly despite some moments of bad luck to take home second place overall,” Dougal said in his final blog on the race.

The two share an estimated US$25,000 for their efforts and are expected back in New Zealand today.

Dougal is also planning to race in the 125km Contact Epic around Lake Hawea this weekend. He currently holds the race record with a time of four hours 36 minutes.

Page 12

Thursday 18 April to Wednesday 24 April 2013

sunclassifieds trades&services signs, design & print

landscaping supplies

SPAS & POOLS

panelbeating

drainage

shade sails

concrete cutting

CURTAINS

colour

& design Thursday 18 April to Wednesday 24 April 2013

advertise in the

wanakasun call 03 443 5252

Page 13

sunclassifieds

Classifieds vehicles for sale

for sale

notice

notice

services

1996 Toyota Hilux surf SSR-X for sale. Manual, petrol, 2.7litre wide body. Awesome winter vehicle. $9k o.n.o 034434684

Oak wardrobe with mirror & large drawer. $80 ono. Cromwell 4451599

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

FURNISHED ROOM. ALBERT TOWN. Quiet living, non-smoking single/couple $130/$180/ wk. (Power extra). Own bathroom. I/N. Ph Maryann 4436463 0211101160

Massage for health and well-being, relaxation, deep tissue, trigger point, pregnancy, reiki, mobile available, ph/text lee 443 1447,027 333 4909

Gentle yoga connecting movement with breath. 9:30 ea Mon and Wed 9 Tyndall St. $10 classes. All welcome. Jen 443.1672

ROOM AVAIL ABLE Meadowstone close town, lake and ski field pick ups. Sunny, modern, quiet, very warm. Suit 25+ healthy happy busy single. $130 Ph 021 201 1121

Massage now available at the wanaka acupuncture clinic, remedial, therapeutic, healing.

Ph or text lee 443 1447 / 027 333 4909

2002 Toyota Hilux Surf SSR-X for sale. Auto, petrol, 3.4litre, V6. Great family truck. $18,500 o.n.o 034434684 2005 Honda CRF250R for sale. 4 stroke, new fork seals, approx 50 hours. Great condition.

Call 034434684 1991 Nissan Sentra for sale. good car on gas, cheap runabout town, wof till sept, $950 o.n.o.

021 050 2928 2006 Subaru Outback LL bean. 3.0 litre H6.

Sports shift transmission. Heaps of features $18k 034434684 1996 Mazda capella 240K 7seater, wagon $1500 chains and roof rack also avail. PH Steve 443 1955 ao.

1998 Suzuki Baleno 1.8GLX, $3200 obo, stationwagon, 203k, manual, 5-speed, white.

0223253906 Camper Van for sale, Toyota Hiace Pop Top With Everything You Need To Live and Travel $5500 :). 0220910226

employment Your job not paying enough ? earn extra $ $ as an avon representative selling to your co workers friends and neighbours phone 0211293327

for sale Motorbike trailer for sale. Fits three bikes and has storage box. Will put new reg and wof on sale. 034434684 5 fin oil heater. Beat winter blues- $20 0212018614.

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

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 BIKE FOR SALE. Men’s Avanti, ex rental $200 ono.

Contact Fiona 0212359161 BRAND NEW Brewers Roast coffee maker in box. Makes 2 to 4 cups(included). $70 ono.

0212018614 Breakfast for $3! 6” bacon and egg sub only at Subway Wanaka. Try our fresh barista coffee as well.

CAR CHAINS- will fit most smaller cars. Just ask for sizing. $30 ono. Be ready for winter season.

0212018614 Coffee Table Smoked Glass Top, White Alloy Bace I Have Two In Good Condition $39 Each ph 027 321-4952 anytime 12 frye crescent COFFEE TABLE SOLID HEAVY WOOD 120cmL *54cmW *40cmH in very good As New condition $89 ph027-3214952 12 frye crescent albert town Dining Table Solid Heavy Wood Modern Six Seater In Good Condition $185 Ph 027 321 4952 Anytime 12 Frye Crescent Albert Town Eco Tan. Self tanning lotion. No parabens, no chemical smells, just gorgeous, chocolate coloured skin. organicexpress.co.nz Food Processor For Sale as new $35 ph/txt 0226154245

Heritage Personal Spa Pool $4999 phone Greg 021 748107 McKinley’s of Dunedin as new boots size 85 (8 1/2?) worn only few times on carpet see trade me listing Loche4 ph 021881384 Sycamore? 62cm hand turned wooden platter by Phillips in Nelson some bubbles on edge on Trademe 582427145 ph 021881384 Woolrest Double great condition ) 150.00 listed on Trademe 582123174 ph 021 881 384 Good as new beginners’ guitar $70. Contact Fiona 0212359161 NEW Forum League SLR snowboard boots. woman size 7. Price $200. Pls call 027 6602271 Galileo telescope with stand for stargazing and more. $55. 443 8675 Get a jump start on winter at Racers Edge.

Feather Down and our big brand outerwear labels are all in store NOW. 99 Ardmore St. 4437882.

Golf clubs, bag, trundler, excellent condition, raincoat, pants, umbrella. Plus few clubs and bag for the beginner. Negotiable. 443 8675 Home gym Weirder brand, row machine, $100 each. Tarras. 034452323 Lightweight tripod $25 443 8675 MAC black soft shell boys jacket size 14 exc condition hardly worn. $75 (new $130) 027 5586170 or 4436988.

Gilbert van Reenen: illustrated lecture on 19th century botanist and illustrator John Buchanan for the Upper Clutha U3A, Friday April 26, 6pm, Lake Wanaka Centre. Public welcome.

Luggate hotel needs leaves! Bring in a few bags and get a ticket to our upcoming Autumn Ball (May 11th) MEDICINE IN A TEACUP; learn to prepare & administer, effective easy ayurvedic herbal home remedies for common winter symptoms.

Www.thesadhanastudio.com Mums n Bubs yoga 10AM ea Thurs. 9 Tyndall St. A bit of relax for Mum n giggles for Bubs!

Jen 443.1672 Tommy behrns top equine chiropractor, will be in wanaka for appointments april 23rd.

Bookings/enquiries to hanz95@hotmail.com. highly recommended.

Organic produce - we support local growers wherever possible. organicexpress.co.nz Prenatal yoga ea Thurs 7PM. Time to connect with the miracle inside of you. 9 Tyndall St. Jen 443.1672 Primary School Op Shop. Open 12-4pm Tuesday & Thursday. Back entrance to school off Totara Terrace.

Poultry mash 4 sale, $25 for 25kg, can d.liva 2 wanaka 4434944

Racers Edge has its winter delivery of Marmot 2013 Outerwear including Down in store NOW!

Poultry wheat and barley 4 sale, whole or crushed.30kg 4 $25.. .. 021 251 5510/4434944

Chalky Digits Winter 2013 now in store at Racers Edge.

ROXY 3/4 length ladies black coat. Size 8.

Only worn once! $110 ono- g8 4 cold weather.

0212018614.

SADHANA LIVING; change ur mind change ur life! Specializing in Women’s lifestyle healing programmes, rejuvenation therapies, yoga, consultations. Www.thesadhanastudio.com

Rugby boots Canterbury stampede elite size 9/42 good condition $50 ph 4436988 Single Bed & Mattress For Sale as new $100 txt/ph 0226154245 Veranda chairs with cushions, glass top table in centre.$45 443 8675

notice Help save the Wanaka library. Details at www.protectwanakalibrary.wordpress.com BEGINNERS PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP two day Wanaka Camera Club course 4th and 5th May. Phone 443 7878 for more details.

Ben Casey fundraiser com/helpingbencasey/info

www.facebook.

Ben Casey fundraiser. Trade Me auctions keywords: charity, Helping Ben Casey BRAND IDENTITY AND ADVERTISING for not for Profit Organisations workshop Monday 22 April,call 4437799 to register, Know a Good Bugger? Text your nomination for Wanaka’s Good Bugger of the Week to 0272311227. Winner receives a $50 Lone Star voucher.

Epic Riders... Bring your race plate into the Lone Star to receive a free bowl of chips when you have your well deserving drink at the bar.

50 Cardrona Valley Road

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.

The Best of The Best is back this year!

Performing on 13th, 14th and 15th June. Classy show with top local talent!

The Creative Space- Educational After School Art Classes for Primary aged Children.

Limited placements available. Please email thecreativespace.wanaka@gmail.com for more information FAMILY FRIDAYS AT LONE STAR - 2 for 1 Kids meals every Friday 5-7pm. Ph 443 6901 TV TakeBack on now at Wanaka Wastebusters.

TV recycling only $5 for a limited time! Keep toxic materials out of landfills.

YOGA with CARMEN; pregnancy session, yoga for women, ongoing . Deepen ur practice Peaceful space, dedicated to practice. www. thesadhanastudio.com. 02102215409

rent Flatmate wanted. Sunny warm 3 bedroom flat. Big room, $150 per week includes power/ phone plus $40 wifi per month. 021 050 2928 For rent, large bedroom with ensuite and study in Albert town avail.26 june till 26 sept.

Must see call 021 075 64 16

For FREE listing text your advert to

Two rooms for rent in a 3 bedroom house, warm for winter, close to town in a quite location. For more information or to view ph 0210475045

services Aspiring Acupuncture. Ancient medicine modern care. ACC provider for your injury recovery. Plus all other aspects of health. Ph Jos 4436242, 0211639769 ASPIRING MASSAGE WANAKA. Deep Tissue.

Sport. Relaxation. Trevor Bailey. Full time massage since 1994. Ph 4432993 or 0274222455. www.aspiringmassagewanaka.co.nz Babysitter Available. Experienced mother and teacher. My experience, your peace of mind.

Ph 4432222 Beautiful Earth Healing Meditations 8PM 3rd Weds of ea month at 24 Dungarvon St/ Wanaka Wellness Ctr. By donation, all welcome!

Jen 443.1672 Check out benefits of probiotic water kefir then order delicious sparkling organic health drink or kefir grains from Su 0211438233 CONTACT EPIC ATHLETES - Detoxify + sooth your aching body. Lymphatic clearance treatments with Maryann 4436463 or 0211101160 Dirty blinds? Get them cleaned by ultra sonic. Call Jae Services 443 1150 Do your flax bushes need tidying up? I can prune back harakeke using traditional protocol for optimum plant health. 0211438223 Don’t leave me lonely when you go away. Pet Care Services Wanaka - looking after your dog in my home. Ph 021 201 1121 For all your tiling work, blockwork and stonework give the team a call today . LBP qualified.

Phone 0211890036 or 4431229 thanks THE A TEAM General engineering Handy Solutions 0272080175 Colour steel fencing. Same both sides.

Handy Solutions 0272080175” Immerse yourself in beautiful sound therapy! Quartz crystal singing bowls for deep relaxation/energy balancing. 1.30PM each Mon. 9 Tyndall St. Jen 443.1672.

Is food a problem for you? There is a solution.

Call 0274164691 JP SERVICES at Community Networks Tuesdays 1pm and. Fridays 10.30.For appointments call 4437799 KARUNA great for massage, waxing & moor.

Fantastic location & prices from $20 call/text 0226152231 to find out more!

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.

LOMI LOMI MASSAGE (Therapeutic Hawaiian) Relaxing, nurturing, whole length body strokes.

Peaceful surroundings. Ph Maryann 443 6463, 021 1101160

MASSAGE THERAPY! Sportsmassage, Deep tissue, Relaxation. Treatment work and stress release to rejuvenate. Please call Ursula Krebs, Dipl. Massage Therapist, ph: 027 6602271.

Motor home & caravan repair and restoration. Steve Rumore 443.1672 Piano Tuner Brad MacClur in town this weekend. $130. Phone 0274581296 Racing the Contact Epic? Racers Edge is committed to all our local sporting events.

Servicing, Parts and Nutrition - Racers Edge has it all. 03 443 8855.

The Wanaka Osteopathic Clinic provides structural manipulation of the whole body to give long term relief from new or ongoing structural problems. Call today on 443-6783.

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

WANAKA WINDOW CLEANING professional, friendly, efficient service. Enjoy those mountain views. High, awkward windows a specialty.

Paolo 021 0572505/ 4432420 WHEELS TO DUNSTAN:Free daily transport to Dunstan Hospital & Alexandra specialist appointments,Bookings call 4437799 WINDSCREEN CHIP? Call the experts ASTROFIX on 027 349 2447. Free quotes, mobile service. FREE with insurance.

Yes only 4 and half weeks to go and the very special evening is here ,MAC Formal have your hair do and make up sorted please contact: The Hairfairy 0273169463 Road to Beauty 0274523477

thanks Ben Casey fundraiser owes a huge thank you to Jo Jago from BrightSparks and Leigh Cooper from Cooper Design. Check out our amazing graphics - thanks Leigh you are sensational Hats off to the hosts, organisers, sponsors, artists, musicians & people behind the scenes who made `Art in the Park` such a memorable day.

Thank u amigos 4 the fantastic night on Friday

wanted Furniture (lounge suite), whiteware (fridge, washing machine), firm queen bedbase, drawers etc required. please ph/txt 0223119113 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.

Volunteers wanted for school holiday prog. Can u spare 1 day between 22 april to 3 may? Call into community networks 73 brownston st for an info pack Wanted 1/2 bedrm flat/cottage/sleepout unfurnished long term in lake hawea call/text 0275221666 Wanted. Firewood, dry gum or macro., ph 4434929

02 20 786 778

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

Thursday 18 April to Wednesday 24 April 2013

sunclassifieds

rent

notice

rent

rent

notice

notice

notice

TARRAS SCHOOL Board of Trustees Election 2013 Nominations are called for the election of three parent representatives to the Tarras School Board of Trustees.

On 15th April, nomination forms and a notice calling for nominations were posted to all eligible voters. Additional nomination forms can be obtained from the school office.

Nominations close at 12 noon on 16th May 2013.

Katherine Nicholson, Returning Officer

sport results Lake Hawea Golf Results. 14.04 13. Mt Maude Stablefords. Men-1 Neville Roberts 43, 2 Murray Nyhan 42, 3 Tony Arscott 42, Tim Cotter 41, Bryan Burgess 39.

Ladies 1 Kay Ross 34. Nearest Pin Kat Ross. Two’s Kay Ross no 14 & Tim Cotter no 12.

Wanaka Bowls Results Week ending12:04:13 Friday Progressive Skips 1 Trevor Tovey 2 K Chartres 3 Neville Young, Thirds 1 Joan Smith 2 Madeleine Wilson 3 John Barton, Leads 1 Rick McLean 2 Barry Miskimmin3 Robyn Chartres.

notice

Bridge results: Mt Iron Stakes 2.North/South:- Ken Muir, Boyd Ottrey 66.78% 1.

Marion Furneaux, Laraine Shepherd 62.11% 2. Gerarda Herlihy, Sandra Simmers 56.67% 3. East/West:- Nan Ottrey, Ken Roberts 66.33% 1. Sherril Harries, Gay Skerman 61.00% 2. Ena Leckie Terry Wilson 56.67% 3.Friday Bridge 12.April. North/ South:- Heather Wellman, Deirdre Lynch 65.28% 1.

Gerarda Herlihy, Jan Lyness 63.19% 2. Ray & Margaret Newell 59.03% 3. East/West:Lynne Fegan, Mary Gibson-Collings 61.74% 1. Errol Kelly, Ian McDonald60.61% 2.

Elizabeth Irvine, Betty Swift 59.66% 3.

Classifieds

Thursday 18 April to Wednesday 24 April 2013

advertise in the

wanakasun

FREE colour & design call 03 443 5252

Page 15

sunsport

sportbrief Superb team effort The Mount Aspiring College 1st XV played with courage and commitment on Sunday against a NSW under-18 development squad before losing 39-15.

The local team’s forward pack gave away about 200kg to their much larger opponents but held their own in the set pieces and edged the visitors in the loose. The backs pressured their much bigger opponents into mistakes and held up possession six times to force turnovers.

Captain of the day Taine Phillips played well at flanker and was awarded player of the day. Rube Peina was all class at 1st five to score all the team’s points before leaving the field with a hip injury. It was a superb overall team effort enjoyed by the good-sized crowd.

The team has its final pre-season game against Dunstan High School in Cromwell this Saturday before its first competition match against OBHS on May 11.

Rippers take on tackling Following a successful winter last year in Ripper rugby, the majority of last year’s Upper Clutha team have returned to compete in their first season of tackle rugby in the under-

eight-year grade.

Coaches John Titterton and Julian Field have been focussing on safe tackling techniques as well as introducing line-outs and scrums in practices over

the past two weeks. They said the youngsters have made good progress learning the new skills, with their first game this Saturday at a seven-a-side tournament in Alexandra.

Seen here packing down for a scrum are Sam Caumette in blue and Gustav Legnavsky, Henry O’Brien and Hunter Wilson in Upper Clutha colours.

PHOTO: tim brewster

Braves win, FC draw Al Bertini Both Wanaka senior football teams played at home last weekend against Alexandra teams.

After a slightly nervy start, Wanaka FC settled into its free-flowing passing game. Finn Moore opened the scoring for the home team after 20 minutes with a confident finish, high into the net from close range.

Wanaka had the better of chances in the evenly-contested first half but failed to convert.

Fresh from his honeymoon, Aidan Butler

latched on to a through-ball to nod it past the advancing keeper and watch it trickle into the back of the net for the first goal of the second half. A defensive lapse shortly after saw Wanaka concede a penalty. Aaron Molloy made an outstanding save but Wanaka’s defence failed to clear the ball and Alexandra scored to make it 2-1.

Finn Moore then produced a moment of magic to extend the lead: he out-ran the Alex defence and lobbed the ball over the keeper’s head to make it 3-1 to Wanaka.

With 20 minutes to go Alexandra scored

a well-taken free kick to make it 3-2 and some sloppy defending allowed them to equalise in the final minutes.

In Saturday’s other game the Wanaka Braves made it two wins from two games by beating Alexandra B 4-2. Wanaka Braves sit just behind Wanaka FC in the league which will make for an interesting fixture in a couple of weeks when both sides meet for the first local derby of the season.

This weekend Wanaka FC is away to Wakatipu at the Queenstown Events Centre and Wanaka Braves play at home to Lakes United.

Record turnout for Epic With an increase of almost 40 percent the Contact Epic bike race around Lake Hawea will see a record number of entrants setting off on Saturday. Almost 850 entrants are set to ride the event which has added a new 35km option for less experienced riders.

The new 35km Contact Traverse is credited with almost 100 of the new competitors. This more achievable distance has also attracted a number of school students, race director Danielle Nicholson said. “While the Contact Epic and Classic have an extremely high percentage of male entrants, the Traverse has a 50/50 gender split broadening the race’s appeal.

We have had a lot of

competitors who are keen on being part of the event but are a little tentative about the bigger challenges. This way they get to start on the dam, end in the Hawea Hotel and still experience a lot of the atmosphere of the major event.” She said the Traverse is bringing in a wider range of ages with the oldest being 81 year old Mark Hillary from Queenstown and youngest being Archie Martinovich from Wanaka at 11 years old.

The 125km Contact Epic, which takes riders the full way around Lake Hawea, accounts for more than half of all entries.

“This is a true challenge that is more about the mind than the body,” Danielle said.

PHOTO: supplied

Page 16

Thursday 18 April to Wednesday 24 April 2013