Wanaka Sun

Flow reduced to lower river risk Contact Energy have reduced the flow of the Hawea River to 10 cumecs, down from approximately 55 cumecs, to reduce the risk posed by a recently-identified tree hazard. PAGE 2

School board resignation The Board of Trustees at Wanaka Primary School has involved the Ministry of Education in the governance of the school as the role of the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees remains vacant after former Chairperson Richard Cubie stepped down last week. PAGE 3 THUR 26.12.13 - WED 01.01.14

WANAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER

inside:

All on and all in for New Year’s

We wish you a merry Christmas

The Travelling Carollers, singing Christmas favourites, took to the streets of Wanaka, Albert Town and Luggate on Monday to entertain locals.

PAGE 5

2013 in review PAGES 9-14

PHOTO: WANAKA SUN

Generating funds for Philippines Tim Brewster Wanaka Sun

Wedding feature PAGES 15-18

We are on the hunt for #gigateers!

Would you like to get involved this summer?

We need volunteers to help us collect email addresses and promote #gigatownwanaka.

Please email Gemma gigatown.wanaka@gmail.com or Claire- claire@mtuptonlodge.co.nz to register your interest!

supported by:

A local fundraiser to buy a generator for a medical facility in the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan has reached the halfway mark with $3000 still needed.

Wanaka restaurateurs James and Francesca Voza returned from the Philippines recently after travelling there to distribute clothes and medical supplies on the island of Coron, North Palawan, one of the last areas to be struck by the storm.

Days prior to their trip Haiyan struck and they were asked if they wanted to cancel their holiday by

their travel agent, but made a last minute decision to travel. James and Francesca, who have travelled extensively in the country and have

hours later they were on their way to the plane, with more than 70kg of clothes and medical supplies donated by Wanaka residents and

The news said that up to 80 percent of houses were damaged.

They should have said destroyed. The devastation was unbelievable. a number of friends in Coron, turned their holiday trip into an opportunity to help provide supplies for the devastated area. They put out a local appeal for supplies and less than 24

the Wanaka Lakes Health Centre in their luggage, and their excess baggage paid for by a local benefactor.

Arriving in Manila, they were joined by James’ brother Luke, on

his first trip overseas from the UK, and discovered the airport at Coron was closed due to storm damage.

After buying a number of other supplies such as clothing, toothbrushes, food rations, and children’s items such as school supplies, the three set off. After a short plane flight to the nearest functioning airport of Puerto Princessa, they rode for four hours on the roof of a bus followed by another 14 hours in a small outboard boat to the coastal town of Coron, James said.

Story continues page 3...

sunnews Independent advice sought on monorail The Department of Conservation, at the request of the Conservation Minister, has commissioned an independent financial viability report into the Fiordland monorail proposal being promoted by Riverstone Holdings Limited.

“This is the most significant concession ever sought on public conservation land and the longest monorail in the world. I want to ensure my decision is based on the best quality advice,” Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith said. “I’m satisfied with the advice to date from my department on the proposal but I also need to decide if the project is financially viable. This is beyond the expertise of my department which is why I have asked for DOC to commission an independent financial viability report.”

Infinity Investment Group Holdings Ltd, led by managing director Bob Robertson, is the majority shareholder in Riverstone Holdings Ltd. The Fiordland Link Experience is divided into three sections: a 20km catamaran trip across Lake Wakatipu to high country station Mount Nicholas; a 45km trip in all-terrain vehicles to the Kiwi Burn monorail terminus using existing backcountry roads; and a 41km trip through tussock land, Snowdon Forest and farmland to Te Anau Downs in an electrically-powered monorail.

The Minister expects to receive the additional advice in February and will make his decision once he has considered the report.

Flow reduced to lower river risk Laura Williamson Wanaka Sun Contact Energy have reduced the flow of the Hawea River to 10 cumecs, down from approximately 55 cumecs, to reduce the risk posed by a recently-identified tree hazard.

One kayaker had become trapped by the “tree-strainer” last week and had to be rescued by his companions, according to Queenstown Lakes District Council harbourmaster Marty Black. The reduced flow was an interim safety measure, he said.

He added that a nearby resident had reported the hazard to council and that Wanaka Central Otago Whitewater representative Roy Bailey had been sent to inspect the area.

The tree, which is located approximately 4.7km downriver of Camphill Bridge in a section of the river known as “Bradley’s”, was a substantial hazard, according to Roy. “It’s always been an area where you’ve had to be careful, but erosion has made it much worse” he said.

He explained that, due to erosion, one of the trees previously on the bank had fallen into the river,

PHOTO: WANAKA.TV

and the river itself had changed course so the tree was now in the middle of the channel.

“Trees are the biggest hazard in a river,” he said. The current would go around a rock, but with trees it went straight through, and could potentially trap water users.

Roy said that recreational

releases on the Hawea River were planned over the holiday period so people could use the Camphill Bridge play park, but this would not be possible until the river flow could be increased to at least 30 cumecs.

Meanwhile, Marty this week issued a plea for water users

to be cautious in local rivers, which this time of year were “a magnet for holiday-makers with inflatable boats, inner tubes, lilos and body boards.” He asked people be especially mindful of logs and other debris that often washed downstream after heavy rain.

Double baking for Kahu Tim Brewster Wanaka Sun

inbrief Water safety focus Provided everyone follows the rules, QLDC harbourmaster Marty Black anticipates a safe summer on the region’s lakes and rivers.

“My goal is that everyone has a fantastic time in and around the water this summer, and the best way to make that happen is to use common sense, keep an eye on your kids, and always wear lifejackets when you’re out on the water,” Marty said.

Marty and his team will be patrolling throughout the summer to enforce the QLDC bylaw that everyone in a boat less than 6m in length, including kayaks and dinghies, must wear a life jacket at all times.

“We know that properly fitting life jackets save lives on the water, in the same way that seat belts save lives on the roads,” he said.

Children need to wear a life jacket that fits them properly. “You can’t put a small child in an adult’s life jacket, they will just slip straight out. We’ve seen some recent tragedies in other parts of the country where that has happened.”

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Funding for a newly installed double oven means twice the capacity for popular baking sessions at the Kahu Youth crib. “Christmas did come early,” youth worker Angie Griffiths said.

The ovens and new floor tiles in the kitchen to replace the “scody” carpet means the aftermath of the popular cooking and baking sessions with the inevitable spills of flour, milk and eggs can be wiped up rather than bonding with previous ingredients, she said.

The organisation received more than $6000 in funding from community organisations for the kitchen makeover project, with the work performed voluntarily by local contractors Lightspeed Electrical and Galloway

PHOTO: TIM BREWSTER

Still Construction.

Angie said the youth centre had up to 40 visitors at their dropin sessions, with up to 80 participants through the week taking part in

THURSDAY 26.12.13 - WEDNESDAY 01.01.14

adventure outings and other activities.

The youth group also have a new 11-seater van for their outings thanks to recent donations.

sunnews Wharf is sound

School board resignation Staff Reporter Wanaka Sun The Board of Trustees at Wanaka Primary School has involved the Ministry of Education in the governance of the school as the role of the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees remains vacant after former Chairperson Richard Cubie stepped down last week.

His resignation was announced in both an email to parents and on the Wanaka Primary School Board of Trustees blog. These correspondences stated that “the board is working hard to secure an appropriate Chairperson and hopes to be able to make an announcement

by Friday 20th

December.”

However, last Friday, a further email indicated that a new Chair had not been appointed and that the Board had voted to “embark on an initiative in partnership with the Ministry of Education that will underpin the objectives of continuing our sound governance and high quality learning environment.”

As of December 24, the Board Chairperson position under a list of board members was listed as “TBA”.

T h e B o a r d of Trustees are responsible for setting the strategic direction of the school in consultation with staff, parents and students.

The Wanaka wharf in front of the log cabin is considered “structurally sound” despite the appearance of a slump in the middle, harbourmaster Marty Black said.

Concerns have been raised on the safety of the structure, but apart from “a bit of titivating” little needs to be done. The wharf receives little use from public boats with people mainly using the beach for accessing the foreshore, he said.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Funds for generator ... Continued from page 1 “When we got to Coron I forgot all about the boat trip. Just seeing the state of the town shocked me so much. The news said that up to 80 percent of houses were damaged. They should have said destroyed.

The devastation was unbelievable. As we pulled in I couldn’t help but cry.”

After a week in the area helping distribute food and buying more

food packs and basic necessities, the two returned to New Zealand determined to raise more funds for the area, James said.

“We really want to raise enough money to buy the hospital of Coron a new generator. When the po w er w ent o ut during the typhoon, they didn’t have a generator so they were unable to perform surgeries. Coron is the biggest hospital in the north of Palawan but lacks the most basic supplies.

THURSDAY 26.12.13 - WEDNESDAY 01.01.14

“Because we know some great people who live there we know where the money is going to.

And we also know that every cent will be spent on the right things and be given to the people who need it.”

A fundraiser held last week raised $3000 toward the $6000 cost of a generator suitable for the medical centre and they are appealing for further contributions.

See sunspots for details

PAGE 3

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sunnews

crimescene Liquor ban, drink driving focus Police arrested two offenders after receiving a report of assault.

An offender keyed four panels of a parked vehicle.

colour & design

Police attended a vehicle accident caused by a driver who pulled out of a car park into the path of oncoming vehicle. Police staff also responded to a number of driving complaints, including vehicles weaving and crossing the centre line.

Two people were processed for excess breath alcohol and will be appearing in court. Police will be targeting drink drivers by regularly running alcohol check points, and if a driver is pulled over for a routine traffic matter he or she will be tested for excess breath alcohol.

The 24-hour a day liquor ban is in place from 6am December 27 to 6am January 6.

“Lastly, I had the pleasure last week of volunteering for the Wanaka Sun Christmas Food Drive,” Watchhouse Officer Kim Crothall said. “It was heaps of fun and it was wonderful to see all the people who generously gave food and I’d like to give a ‘big shout out’ to the group of volunteers who pounded the pavement behind the patrol vehicle: you guys were awesome.”

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

PAGE 4

Corrugation street Tim Brewster Wanaka Sun It’s often regarded as more of a vehicletrashing chore than a gateway with corrugations and the rapid deterioration of the surface often just days after its six-weekly maintenance schedule.

But after four years, traffic numbers on the road into Mount Aspiring National Park are being re-assessed.

Classed as a local road and maintained by the QLDC, the 30km unsealed section from the bottom of the Treble Cone access road to the Raspberry Creek carpark doubled in usage from 168 vehicles in January,1994 to 327 in the same month in 2009, the last time the council did a vehicle count, chief engineer Ulrich Glasner said in an email.

“[There are] no plans to change the maintenance schedule as yet as the traffic volumes, although they have increased, have not increased markedly for us to warrant greater maintenance schedule.

cycle of six weeks. We do have a two week response time for large potholes and corrugations.”

Sue Pihama who owns Wanaka River Journeys with her husband Brent put in a submission for to the District Plan for

If I have any criticism it’s they don’t cut low enough.

However, we are due to do another traffic count in the New Year and if this shows a marked increase in the volumes, then we will need to reconsider our maintenance schedule for the road. We have also programmed to Otta seal (to help suppress the dust) approximately 850m of the road which runs past Aspiring Helicopters. As this is classed as a local road we work on a maintenance

increased maintenance of the road as it had been an ongoing source of frustration for users.

“We just chip away,” she said.

The number of commercial operators apart from tourism includes farm workers and equipment, school groups, increased use of the area by the film industry and teambuilding groups, she said.

“We try to promote

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the area. A lot of our clients know about Rob Roy. I know from talking to clients there’s a real glacier focus for tourists.” A number of visitors also extend their stay in the area to include the Rob Roy glacier walk, she said.

Day trips to the Rob Roy walking track appear to be the most common use of the road, with 18,630 track visits in 2008/2009 rising slightly to 19,024 for 2012/2013, the Department of Conservation reported.

“If I have any criticism it’s they don’t cut low enough,” transport operator Peter King said.

Peter is one of the most frequent commercial operators of the road averaging 300 trips during the summer season. He said the road can be “very rough” even just two days after grading.

sunnews

All on and all in for New Year’s Laura Williamson Wanaka Sun End of year festivities will be winding up this week as 2013 winds down, and Wanaka will be abuzz once again with activities for young and old over the New Year’s period.

The fun starts with a local Hawea tradition. The Hawea Picnic Races take place every year on December 28, with pony events, pacers, trotters and novelty events, as well as family fun including running races and tugs of war.

New Year’s Eve will be all about live and local, with live music on the menu just about everywhere you look. The two-day Rhythm and Alps Festival has moved to the Cardrona Valley for the first time this year. Running December 30-31 with on-site camping and two stages, the festival features acts like Shapeshifter, Zane Lowe, The Veils and P-Money.

The vibe will be a little more country in Hawea, with The Branding New Year’s Eve party presented by Rural TV at the Lake Hawea Hotel. Look for local favourites Jodi Direen and Maggie Ruddenklau, as well as Kaylee Bell, The Heartleys, Cam Scott, Bex Murray and Aaron Jury.

On-site camping is available as well as free bus transport from Wanaka and Albert Town.

Almost sold out Two-day tickets and camping for the Rhythm and Alps New Year’s Eve festival have sold out.

According to organisers there are a limited amount of day tickets and upgrades to the festival are still available.

CEO of the Rhythm Group Kieran Spillane anticipates a the day tickets will also sell out. “The shift to the new location, the Cardrona Valley in Wanaka, coupled with changing it to a New Year’s Eve festival has been a popular move for Rhythm and Alps,” he said. “It is clear a festival like this is just what the South Island needed.”

PHOTO: WANAKA.TV

Speaking of rural, for a smaller but no less noisy New Year’s Eve, Craig Adams and The Rustlers will be raising the roof at the Luggate Hotel, while the Albert Town Tavern will be hosting the Zucchini Brothers.

In Wanaka, the New Year’s Eve festivities are the first events on the Summerdaze calendar.

Catch a range of local talent at the Wanaka lakefront, with regional Smokefreerockquest winners Mainstreet taking the

stage at 8pm followed by Rock Hopper and, finally, the Pistol Knights, who will play until 1am.

A fireworks display will welcome in 2014 at midnight.

With January 1 being a recovery day for most, events kick off again on the second. Hawea again will be where it’s at with Summerlands, a one-day “utopia of music, motion and celebration” at the Lake Hawea Hotel. Acts like Hollie Smith, Ahoribuzz and Dub FX will hit the main stage, while the

Electric Stage will host, among others, Stevie G, Dirty Ol’ Knights and C:She. Finally, the annual Wanaka Rodeo starts at 11am on January 2 at the new club grounds near Albert Town, with events including Bareback Bronc, Rope and Tie and Steer Wrestling as well as novelty events for kids like the sheep ride and stick-horse race, and a lunch time demonstration by the Hardcore FMX motorbike riders.

Pollution warning for stormdrain use Staff Reporter Wanaka Sun The Queenstown Lakes District Council and the Otago Regional Council are reminding people that stormwater drains are designed for rain.

“Everything that runs down the drain ends up in a stream or river,” QLDC general manager infrastructure and assets Erik Barnes said.

“We know that accidents happen sometimes, and we’d much rather be called out to retrieve something that went in a drain or a sewer

by mistake then have to respond to an emergency

overflow.”

Jeff Donaldson, ORC

director environmental monitoring and operations, said water quality was important throughout the region, and waterway contamination has the potential to degrade people’s experience of the area and make them unsafe for recreational use.

The ORC pollution hotline will be open throughout the holidays and ORC environmental staff will be working with QLDC to investigate any incidents where contaminants have been poured into drains or waterways.

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sunnews

On the job on Christmas Day Laura Williamson Wanaka Sun While many spent Christmas Day opening presents, lounging about and eating slightly more than is sensible, some Wanaka locals were on the job.

St John Wanaka had an ambulance crew, consisting of one paid staff member and one volunteer crew member, on call for Christmas day and for Christmas night, according to Area Executive Officer Barbara Roxburgh. “Just about every Christmas we get at least one call-out, if not more. We’re one of those places that never closes,” she said.

Local fire brigades were also on call. Rod Anderson, chief fire officer of the Luggate Volunteer Fire Brigade, said all crew members in Luggate who were not away on holiday were on call day and night, as the brigade was too small to rotate through

a roster system. He said they often did seem to get called out.

Wanaka assistant harbourmaster Craig Blake had the day off, but was also on call. Last year he did get summoned on Christmas Day to address the issue of some

John would be “collecting eggs, and that’s about it”, althoughsheaddedthings could always come up.

At the Criffel Station deer farm, owner Jerry Bell said they would be having a day doing traditional family activities, though they would be “keeping

We want to make sure everyone has a break for a couple of days, but the animals don’t know it’s Christmas. kite surfers and wind surfers speeding inside the five-knot zone in windy conditions.

Local farmers would be having some time off, but sometimes work still beckons on Christmas Day. The McRae family at Glendhu Station, a 2800 hectare organicallyfarmed sheep and beef property, were spending the day at home with family. Emily McRae said she hoped husband

a wary eye on the farm.”

“We want to make sure everyone has a break for a couple of days, but the animals don’t know it’s Christmas,” he said.

Four Square and Wanaka Pharmacy opened briefly on Christmas Day for those who needed to do an emergency milk run or get a prescription filled, and both petrol stations were open all day.

Gigateers needed Laura Williamson Wanaka Sun Organisers behind the Gigatown Wanaka campaign are calling for “gigateers” to help promote the use of the #gigatownwanaka hashtag at some of the big events in town this summer.

AccordingtoGigatown Wanaka team member Kelly Good, volunteers were needed to wear Gigatown Wanaka t-shirts, explain what Gigatown Wanaka was about,collectandregister

email addresses and encourage people to use the #gigatownwanaka hashtagwhenpostingon social media sites such as Facebook,Instagramand Twitter. Targeted events included the Wanaka Holiday Gala, Rippon Festival, the Upper Clutha A&P Show and Warbirds Over Wanaka.

TheGigatownWanaka campaign also had a large mobile Polaroidstyle frame that would be deployed at events.

People could take pictures of themselves in the frame, which they

would then hopefully post online using the #gigatownwanaka hashtag. “It’s about encouraging internet chatter,” Kelly said, adding that Wanaka had a large advantage in a population that swelled this time of year.

The campaign also needed volunteers to help out over summer manning the recentlybranded Gigatown Wanaka kiosk and walking around the lakefrontcollecting email addresses.

PHOTO: RUTH BOLGER

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sunnews

Upholstery to a capella

Caroline Harker Wanaka Sun

Fireworks kick off summer calendar Staff Reporter Wanaka Sun The month-long calendar of summer festivities in the Queenstown Lakes District will kick off on New Year’s Eve with a fireworks display in both Queenstown and Wanaka.

QLDC Arts and Events Coordinator Jan Maxwell said Summerdaze offers

something to suit every taste, with live music, markets, sports galore, children’s events and outdoor movies.

“I know people will be excited to see the amazing range of activities included in this year’s Summerdaze programme. Some of the old favourites are back, like the Teddy Bears’ Picnic in Wanaka and Big

Picnic at Remarkables Park for kids, and the ever popular outdoor movie nights; and we’ve also introduced new events including a special celebration of the Chinese New Year, which will be a wonderful addition to the summer in Arrowtown,” Jan said.

Summerdaze runs from December 31, 2013 to January 31, 2014.

New courses offered in the 2014 autumn art school include upholstery, cabinet making, a capella singing and pastel portraits. Registrations open around January 7 and many classes are expected to be fully subscribed in no time.

This is Wanaka’s 25th Autumn Art School. It is organised by Robyn van Reenen who selects tutors from all over New Zealand, and this year from Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom.

A hands-on upholstery course is being taught by Reg Bartlett who has won an Exceptional Educator award during his 20 years taking workshops around the South Island. He advises first timers to begin his course with a small chair or couch, whereas people with experience could bring something more challenging if they

want to.

An introductory course to fine cabinet making is aimed at people with some woodworking skills. They will make boxes using traditional dovetailing techniques including inlay and concealed hinges. The course is being taken

American spiritual and gospel ones. He arranges and composes music for choirs, including those he directs, as well as for various artists including Kiwis Dave Dobbyn and Tim Finn.

Australian pastelist Maxine Thompson is taking a course in

New tutors at the art school include American writers Jules and Effin Older and photographer Harry Janssen.

by Simon King.

Sing Your Heart Out is being tutored by Tony Backhouse, one of the leaders of the Australian a cappella scene. Tony is well known among Wanaka’s choirs and has held workshops here before, although not as part of the art school.

He takes workshops all around the world and his repertoire includes many a cappella traditions especially the Afro-

portraiture aimed at both beginners and experienced artists.

She plans to teach participants the skills required to achieve a good likeness and capture the character of the subject.

Other new tutors at the art school include American writers Jules and Effin Older and photographer Harry Janssen. Harry is a Fellow with the New

Zealand Institute of Professional Photography and is teaching a class called Creating Photographic Art. Jules Older writes books for adults and children and magazine articles. He also publishes ebooks, creates apps, writes blogs and teaches writing.

Effin has co-hosted TVNZ programmes and has been widely published as both a photographer and writer in books, magazines and newspapers. The course looks at how to become a more successful writer and includes pitching, writing in the digital age, creating blogs, apps and video, and more.

Other tutors coming to the 2014 art school include artists Noreen Melvin, Jacky Pearson and Nigel Brown, woodcutter Jo Ogier, photographers Dave Wethey and Alan Dove, fly-fisherman Mike Weddell, textile artist Kim Thittichai and bookbinder Rosemarie Jeffers-Palmer.

PHOTO: WANAKA.TV

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January

2013 inreview Wanaka tennis takes off Wanaka Tennis Club hosted the 2013 Wanaka Junior Open and the Wanaka Open.

The highlights for Wanaka were in the ten and under girls’ singles with Polly Marshall winning, and the 14 and under girls’ doubles where Meg Timu (pictured) and Olivia Ray were the champions. Meg was also runner-up in the singles. Ines Stephani and Danielle Molloy were runners-up in the 12 and under doubles.

Water levels up Lake Wanaka water levels reached a high of just under 279.4m, the first flood warning trigger. The high lake level caused disruption to lake users with the boat ramp at Eely Point submerged, and the barbecue on Ruby Island and the marina partially submerged. Wanaka Yacht Club also had to cancel its first regatta of the year.

PHOTO: WANAKA.TV

PHOTO: WANAKA.TV

Weather challenges competitors A half metre swell, constantly shifting crosswinds and a burning hot afternoon tested an estimated 1500 competitors including a typically strong local contingent in Challenge Wanaka 2013.

New-comer Dylan McNiece won the men’s pro field followed by Southland’s Jamie Whyte and multiple world champion Chris MacCormack.

The women’s race was won by four time winner Gina Crawford ahead of Candice Hammond and Jo Lawn.

Local GP Andrew McLeod (pictured) completed two circuits of the Challenge Wanaka, starting with the 7.6 km swim on Friday, cycling 360km during the night and finishing with a double marathon run to cross the line on Saturday, 28 hours, 19 minutes and 35 seconds after he began.

New Year Honour for prof Emeritus Professor Roger Field, of Wanaka, was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education and landbased industries.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

SAR excellence A Maungawera farmer was one of four New Zealanders to be awarded an inaugural award for his long voluntary contribution to search and rescue.

Alan Gillespie received the LandSAR Excellence Award for ‘’an outstanding contribution at local and regional level to search and rescue over a period of 20-plus years.’’

Junior MTB

PHOTO: RUTH BOLGER

THURSDAY 26.12.13 - WEDNESDAY 01.01.14

The eight-person Bike Wanaka’s Junior Mountain Bike Team A competed at the NZ MTB Cup in Bluff. Pictured, from left, are second-placed Alex Young, Janus Staufenberg who came first, and Luke Wright in third in under-15 boys. Team mate Paul Wright also secured a third in the under-17 boys.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

PAGE 9

February

2013 inreview

Building on the up The Wanaka building industry was on the rise after a sluggish four years, with optimism, increased mortgage approvals and a large range of sections on the market credited with the increase in activity. Building consents were showing consistent increases during the past few months compared to previous years with 35 lodged just in the first few weeks of January.

Buff weka back on Stevenson’s Island The buff weka breeding programme on Te Peka Karara (Stevenson’s Island) was back on track following a rabbit poisoning programme over the last four years. Two breeding pairs in the island’s aviary were released into the wild. The breeding programme was put on hold after a boom in rabbit numbers on the island in 2009 attracted predators, which killed four buff weka living there.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

CBD parking problem

PBs for Wanaka

Regulations that businesses in the town centre do not have to provide on-site car parking or make payments towards public car parks were expected to be challenged in the District Plan review. Residential, commercial and industrial developments outside the CBD are all required to provide specified numbers of car parks, under the District Plan. Lakes Environmental Planner Richard Kemp said he did not know why there was no requirement for this in the CBD.

Sticky king and queen

All 18 Wanaka Swim Club competitors achieved personal best times at the Otago Swim Championships in Dunedin with a number attaining National Junior times placing them among the top in the country. Two swimmers broke records: Sophie Fairbairn in the 50m breaststroke for under-13 girls and, at only 13 years of age, Hamish McLean broke the under-19 national Paralympic record in the 50m butterfly by 14 seconds.

Pictured are (back) Jaime Toepfer, Hailee Humphrey, Kenzie Findlay, Samantha Garrick, Caitlin Saunders, Sophie Fairbairn; (middle) Jasmine Murray, Shaneil Coupe, Annabel Fairbairn, Shanae Sanders, Gregor Findlay, Wilfred Spearing; (front) Hamish McLean, Tom Heather, Jack Findlay and Jessica Ecroyd.

PHOTO: WANAKA.TV

Local multisporter Dougal Allan and Wanaka woman Melissa Newell were crowned king and queen of Sticky Forest after winning their respective open mountain bike categories. Dougal (pictured) beat Braden Currie by almost two minutes and Melissa beat Ailsa Rollinson by a similar margin.

PHOTO: WANAKA.TV

Cabaret on Ruby Two hundred people partied the night away to live ragtime and jazz music on Ruby Island in the first cabaret on the island since the 1930s. Profits from the $200-a-head event benefit the Ruby Island Trust.

Wanaka steps up at Coast to Coast Wanaka’s athletes dominated the Coast to Coast, winning two titles and a number of podium finishes.

Braden Currie claimed his first title in the longest day with a time of 11 hours 6 minutes and 51 seconds; six minutes clear of Richard Ussher. Dougal Allan came third 16 minutes later. In the two-day women’s event, Wanaka’s Jess Simson won by almost an hour setting a new course record of 12 hours 48 minutes 11 seconds and was the fastest overall woman. Locals Ailsa Rollinson (third in the one-day women’s event) and John Walker (second in the veterans’ two-day event) also placed.

Golden time for Morgan

Highlanders ready for game time

Wanaka snowboarder Morgan James (pictured) won New Zealand’s first gold medal in the intermediate division GS at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in South Korea.

The Highlanders rugby squad geared up for their pre-season games with a four-day training camp in Wanaka. Midfielder Ma’a Nonu (pictured) in action at the Upper Clutha Rugby grounds.

PHOTO: WANAKA.TV

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

PAGE 10

THURSDAY 26.12.13 - WEDNESDAY 01.01.14

2013 inreview Flash mob dance success A surprise “flash mob” that included an estimated 500 youngsters of all ages took to the main ring at the Upper Clutha A&P Show dancing to a range of music from the 1960s to the recent “gangnam style”.

March

Honour for Phyllis Phyllis Aspinall, 91, was made a life member of the Upper Clutha Historical Records Society. She is the third person to receive the honour since the society was formed in 1985. Peg Mathieson became a life member in 2010 and Stan Kane last year, just a few months before he died. All three attended the society’s inaugural meeting and became founding committee members, along with Phyllis’s late husband Jerry.

PHOTO: WANAKA.TV

Zoe and Darli top Hawea rider Zoe McNeilly was the top South Island junior rider at the New Zealand Pony Club Dressage championships. Riding her horse Darli and competing for the Otago Southland team, Zoe also placed third nationally. The team also placed first in the South Island and third nationally.

PHOTO: NIKKI HEATH

White water

Matchplay suspected in fire Police suspect a group of young boys playing with matches may have been responsible for a grass fire in Jack Young Place and the Hikuwai Reserve fire in Albert Town. DOC fire response coordinator Paul Hondelink said the fire burnt about 2ha of vegetation within the reserve and escaped onto adjoining properties.

Two young local kayakers, Jess Bailey (pictured) and Hank Bilous were selected for national representation following their results in the inaugural national freestyle kayaking event held on the Hawea River.

PHOTO: SHENNEE OOI

PHOTO: WANAKA.TV

MAC strikes gold at Maadi Cup Mount Aspiring College’s Riley Bruce won the under-16 single sculls title at the Secondary Schools Maadi Cup Regatta.

He topped off a huge year by executing a faultless race plan in the final to dominate the closing stages of the race with a sprint finish. The win was the school’s first gold medal and Maadi Cup title.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

THURSDAY 26.12.13 - WEDNESDAY 01.01.14

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2013 inreview

April

Easter bunny shoot The Christchurch team, Wabbit Warriors, of Joel Syme and his son Luke, 12 and Phill Sparks and his son Fletch, 10 (at the rear) shot 1153 rabbits at the Central Otago 23rd annual Great Easter Bunny Hunt to win third place. Four hundred and thirty-two competitors shot more than 18,000 rabbits during the event.

A 26-year-old man shot himself in the hand when he slipped on rugged ground on a Queensbury farm during the bunny shoot and was airlifted to Dunedin Hospital.

PHOTO: NIKKI HEATH

PHOTO: WANAKA.TV

Bra thief upsets grieving families The Cardrona Valley’s bra fence was stripped again, with the incident angering and disappointing families who had been using the fence as a memorial to loved ones. This was the second time the bras had disappeared since the bra fence was brought back

by Cardrona Valley resident Sam Lee, whose family property is bordered by the fence, in March.

The original bra fence, which lasted for seven years and ballooned to 1500 bras, was removed in 2006 by the QLDC, who cited traffic safety issues.

DOC fallout ongoing After 34 years of service to the Department of Conservation, area manager Paul Hellebrekers was made redundant. Along with the role of area manager, the Wanaka management positions of biodiversity, visitor assets, community relations and administration were recommended to be disestablished by the proposal.

A petition was organised by Wanaka woman Meg Taylor and sent to Conservation Minister Nick Smith outlining the reasons why many in the Wanaka community were opposed to the proposals: “… Replacing them with consultants and pen-pushers in a head office in Dunedin or Wellington will prove a waste of talent and money and will be difficult for local groups to operate under. Local businesses and farmers have confidence in working together with our local DOC officers on pest control or tourism co-ventures in a way they never will have with a central organisation.”

End of season regatta

An estimated 150 people marched in the streets in support of local librarians, following the news that all seven staff would lose their jobs, and only three would be reappointed.

The response followed a confidential draft report being leaked to the media revealing proposals to axe 80 jobs from the council reducing staff numbers to 254.

PHOTO: WANAKA.TV

Wanaka’s novice girls squad of Billie Scurr, Paige Murdoch, Laura Wellman, Mia Heath Dyer, Maddy Ball, Olivia Pearce, Bridie Hurley, Helena Crawford, Huitau Roberts, Beth Gale and coxen Alex Mitchell, were successful with a gold and silver medal in the under-15 double sculls: Olivia and Beth, pictured, just pipped Maddy and Mia on the line.

More locals performing More locals performed in this year’s Festival of Colour than ever before, according to General Manager Lindsey Schofield. As well as the 35 in Tracing Hamlet, there were a lot more in other events including 20 locals reading parts from Hawea Flat writer Liz Breslin’s play about freedom camping and author Dave Armstrong’s play ‘Central’.

Back to school for autumn PHOTO: SUPPLIED

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Rally for librarians

The 24th annual Wanaka Autumn Art School, catering to about 215 people, offered classes covering 15 subjects, including writing, printmaking, jewelry, cooking, acting and quilt art. Tutors had come from as far away as Australia and the United States to participate, and included columnist Joe Bennett, painter Nigel Brown and actress Miranda Harcourt.

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2013 inreview

May

Horse trial success More than 130 riders took part in the annual Central Otago Pony Club Horse Trials in Cromwell. Three local riders won their sections: Arabella Chapman-Cohen and her pony Lucy Lawless won the Pony Club Introductory group two; Tania Saxton and Malteser won the Introductory Adult class; and Alannah Stalker (pictured) with Mighty McQuinn won the Pre-Training group one.

PHOTO: INFINITY IMAGES

MAC 1st XV coached like All Blacks

School’s in for Renon After almost a year of expecting the worst, restaurateur Hisashi ‘Bruno’ Sasaki, his wife and daughter Renon got the news they had been hoping for. After a turn around by Education Minister Hekia Parata, Salisbury School for girls in Nelson announced they were to remain open, meaning Renon and an estimated 30 other girls with special needs will be able to continue receiving an education at the residential school.

All Black coaches Mike Cron and Aussie McLean spent two days with the MAC 1st XV squad who were competing in the Highlanders schoolboy competition for the first time last season.

PHOTO: TIM BREWSTER

Five FTE positions gone in Wanaka Just over five full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs would be lost in Wanaka further to the QLDC Organisational Review, according to CEO Adam Feeley. This included the position of service centre manager, one of three positions in infrastructure services, 1.75 in admin support and a proposed change to the existing library staff from 6.25 FTEs to four. Over the whole council district about 40 FTE positions were being disestablished affecting about 100 of the 300-plus staff.

Democracy in action About ten protesters met Queenstown Lakes District Council chief executive Adam Feeley as he arrived at the New Zealand Community Boards conference to give a speech on local democracy last Friday. The protesters gathered outside the Lake Wanaka centre to oppose changes to the Wanaka library due to QLDC restructuring.

PHOTO: WANAKA.TV

Celebrating Sir Ed Children at Hawea Flat Primary marked the 60th anniversary of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s ascent of Mount Everest with a fancy dress day. Pictured, from left: Tana Hansen, Kirsten Blackley, Jono Watson, Red Simpson, Liam Paulin Kemp, Micah Cousins, Luca Harrington, Leithen Henderson, Astelia Aubrey, Isla Heath Dyer, Dylan Rimmer, Thomas Gibson.

PHOTO: WANAKA.TV

Snow Park sold Snow Park NZ was sold to the neighbouring vehicle and car testing facility, the Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds.

PHOTO: WANAKA.TV

THURSDAY 26.12.13 - WEDNESDAY 01.01.14

PAGE 13

2013 inreview

June

Junior hockey teams play for fun Upper Clutha Hockey Club’s most junior players, the Fun Sticks, fielded three teams at their second minitournament of the season. Pictured are: (back row) Arthur Cartlidge, Amy Benson, Zac Groves, Daisy Sanders, Lulu Pettit, Charlie Scurr, Óisin Corbett, Nicola MacKay, Ella Sarginson, Ruby Cochrane; (front row) Lily Wilson, Dan O’Brien, Louie Nelson, Brad Groves, Luke Gendall.

PHOTO: WANAKA.TV

Matariki hangi

The day was cold and wet but people turned up in droves to celebrate Matariki.

“Considering the weather everyone pulled together in a wonderful show of solidarity,” Kahu Youth staff member Richard Elvey said. “It was a great day.”

Organisers fed more than 600 people from the new hangi pit. Celebrations finished with a fireworks display put on by a man who Richard called his secret pyromaniac philanthropist.

Rural support follows blizzard The strong response within the rural community to help save stock from perishing in snow in the high country around the Tarras area earned the gratitude of the landowners in the area. An estimated 500 sheep in two mobs became trapped at just over 1000m on Shirlmar Station which borders the Dunstan Range. A ring around for “fit strong people with farm experience” on Saturday night resulted in a rescue party which were helicoptered up to the sheep. Helicopter pilot Tim Innes, Dingleburn’s Davida Mead and Boof Everest are pictured on Shirlmar Station.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Celebrating success The Wanaka Swim Club celebrated its successes at its annual club prize-giving.

Incoming Club President Richard Fairbairn, along with Head Coach Fiona Hezinger, praised the swimmers on the successes of the year which included regional titles, a national title to Sophie Fairbairn, and the biggest team ever attending the National Junior Championships.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Pub fire not suspicious The Wanaka Fire Brigade could be first in line for a free beer when the pumps re-open at Fitzpatrick’s Irish Bar following a fire. A deep-fryer was believed to have caught fire with staff unable to extinguish it with a fire blanket and a fire extinguisher. An estimated 15 volunteers took more than an hour to contain the fire.

Nuts a winner PHOTO: GRAEME FINDLAY

Volunteering

A walnut farmer from Cromwell was awarded the NZ Tree Crops Association’s Dr Don McKenzie Trophy for Significant Contribution to Tree Crops.

Otto Muller has been growing walnuts on his 80 hectare farm since 1986 and although he’s nearly 90 there’s no sign of him slowing down. An industry pioneer, he is still inventing things to make his venture more successful.

National Volunteer Week was celebrated with morning tea for Wanaka’s volunteers, organised by Volunteering Central staff members Gillian White and Trudy Anderson.

While most of the volunteers there were women there was a good turn out of men including (pictured) Garth Campbell, Stu Thorne, Grant Gordon and Ralph Fegan.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Labour exchange with new time bank A Wanaka Time Bank which involves people exchanging hours of their labour instead of cash was set up in Wanaka.

“The beauty of the time bank is that it’s ours,” WTB spokesperson Tim Ryan said.

Based on a concept developed in the USA in the 1980s

by Edgar Cahn, a civil rights campaigner and former speechwriter for Robert Kennedy, members of the bank can exchange their hours of work banked with any other members of the group.

Negotiation can also take place if tools or machinery are used to cover expenses such as fuel, Tim (pictured) said.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

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THURSDAY 26.12.13 - WEDNESDAY 01.01.14

Wedding Feature

*ADVERTISING FEATURE

hile our majestic mountain views and shimmering lake have played a part in Lake Wanaka being voted one of the top ten most romantic destinations in the world, our dedicated wedding professionals can bring the romance alive on your wedding day. From awardwinning photographers, qualified beauty therapists and make-up artists to skilled wedding cake designers and florists, there is a range of local professionals who specialise in making your big day an amazing day.

PHOTO: JOHN FOSTER

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PAGE 15

Wedding Feature Photography Qualified Master of Photography John Foster tells us how to choose the best photographer for your special day: There are three important things you should keep in mind: the photographer’s personality, style and cost.

Your photographer is likely to spend much of the day with you so choose one whom you will get along with.

Browse through the photographer’s website to get a feel for the quality and style. (Do the couple look like they are having genuine fun?) Budget is the first thing we think of and soon discover how expensive it can be. You generally get what you pay for – photography is an art form after all. Invest your money on the best photographer rather than the best package.

Qualifications and awards like NZIPP (NZ Institute of Professional Photography) are good things which means they are prepared to spend the time and money to improve their craft.

*ADVERTISING FEATURE

Flowers Whether for the bouquets, corsages or table arrangements, flowers will bring style, colour and fragrance to your wedding. When organising the flowers, you need to consider your colour scheme, the overall theme of the wedding and your budget.

There are a few points to bear in mind when choosing your flowers: Outof-season flowers will cost more than those in season and some varieties may not be available. Find out which flowers will last the day. Book early to give your florist enough time to order your flowers. Remember to bring along a sample piece of fabric from your wedding dress and your bridesmaids’ dresses.

Venue Whatever the style or size of your wedding, you’re sure to find a local venue to cater to your needs. From a traditional ceremony in a church with lake views, to a ceremony amongst the grapevines or set within historic woolsheds, the options are extensive. To find the perfect reception venue to suit your needs first ask yourself these questions: How many guests can the venue accommodate? Does the venue provide catering or can you bring your own? Do they have a wedding package and what does it include?

PHOTOS: JOHN FOSTER

PAGE 16

THURSDAY 26.12.13 - WEDNESDAY 01.01.14

Wedding Feature

*ADVERTISING FEATURE

Beauty Looking great on your wedding day starts right now: to help your skin and body look their best it’s important to drink lots of water, eat fruit and vegetables, exercise and get plenty of sleep.

“A long-lasting, softly applied but clearly defined bridal make-up is actually far from easy to create,” make-up artist and beauty therapist Nicola Romeril said. Get the professionals involved to ensure a flawless look, and make sure you do a trial run so you feel comfortable and relaxed with your hair and make-up.

“Be true to yourself and your personality,” Nicola said. “If your make-up doesn’t leave you looking like a gorgeous version of yourself and you see a stranger looking back at you in the mirror, then you will not feel comfortable on the day.”

Cakes Wedding cakes have come a long way since the traditional fruitcake. With options ranging from red velvet to Italian cream, from the simple to the sublime, from handmade edible petals to fresh flowers, or ribbons to stencils, your wedding cake can be as delicious to eat as it is to admire.

Your wedding cake forms the centre piece of your wedding reception and with a specialist wedding cake designer you can make it as traditional, contemporary or alternative as you like. When choosing the size of your cake, make sure it’s relative to the number of wedding guests, and take into account whether you are serving the cake as dessert alone, or in addition to another sweet course.

PHOTOS: JOHN FOSTER

Wedding dress When you first start looking at wedding dresses try on a range of styles to determine which silhouette flatters your figure. There are six main styles: empire, A-line, trumpet, mermaid, sheath and the ball gown. The empire gown suits a pear-shaped bride with a skirt which falls from just under the bust creating a long, slimming silhouette.

An A-line or princess gown is universally flattering. It features vertical seams flowing from the shoulders down to an a-line skirt. To show off your curves try a trumpet silhouette with a skirt which flows from below the hips or a mermaid silhouette which flows from the knees. A Sheath gown closely follows the silhouette of the body, suiting those who really want to show off their figure. The traditional ball gown is great for full and thin figures with a fitted bodice and a full bell-shaped skirt.

THURSDAY 26.12.13 - WEDNESDAY 01.01.14

PAGE 17

Wedding Feature

*ADVERTISING FEATURE

First things first!

After the engagement, the planning starts, so for all the newly engaged couples out there we’ve compiled a list to help you figure out how you both really want to celebrate your wedding.

How

Where

Decide your budget early on. Prioritise what you want (are great photos a must or is an amazing location more important?) so you can spend more on those items at the top of the list and not on the things that are not important to you.

Do you dream of the sand beneath your toes while you say I do or a mountain-top vista to frame your nuptials?

With Wanaka’s stunning backdrop and extensive range of venues, every bride and groom will find a setting to suit their style, be it a relaxed garden wedding or a glamorous black-tie affair.

Who Defining your guest list can be tricky. Who do you want to share your special day with? Do you want to have a child-free zone, or are little ones welcome? Immediate family only or the entire whanau? Prioritise, and remember, it’s your day so do it your way.

What Will it be a church ceremony or a civil ceremony? Are you inspired by a colour or a theme? Are you dreaming of a small, intimate celebration or a large gathering?

Wanaka’s wedding professionals have years of experience and can help you expand on your ideas to orchestrate your perfect day.

PAGE 18

When With four stunning seasons, Wanaka’s natural beauty offers the perfect year-round setting. Do you want to revel in spectacular autumn colours or bask in a glorious summer day? Opting for a winter wedding, instead of the peak summer months, often means more availability in everything from venue hire to florists – so if you want a short engagement you won’t have long to wait!

THURSDAY 26.12.13 - WEDNESDAY 01.01.14

sunnews

Milestone for maze Staff Reporter Wanaka Sun Puzzling World founder Stuart Landsborough is pictured, with the birthday cake replicating the first model of the maze, as the company celebrated its 40th anniversary.

The maze opened just in time for the 1973/74 summer holidays, welcoming 17,600 people that summer. With just one table and five puzzles, the Puzzle Centre was established four years later, followed by more puzzles and the first illusion room and, in 1999, the Leaning Tower of Wanaka.

Stuart retired in 2004, when his daughter Heidi and son-in-law Duncan Spear took over.

inbrief

“As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we simply have to pay tribute to Stuart’s dedication to and passion for the business which we’ve been lucky enough to carry on in his name,” Duncan said.

Heidi said how special it had been to grow up with a maze in her back yard. “Duncan and I are extremely proud to manage the business to ensure my parents’ vision is carried through to the next generation,” she said.

“We’re dedicated to continued re-development and investment in the business, and the current growth in traffic from emerging Indian and Asian markets in particular is testament to the attraction’s reach across all nationalities.”

Safe driving According to the Motor Trade Association (MTA) the 2013 road toll currently sat at 238 – 70 fewer deaths than 2012 – so it teamed up with top motorsport professionals to promote a safe driving message.

V8 Supercar driver and 2013 V8 SuperTourer champion Greg Murphy advised taking your time while travelling. “Enjoy the driving – don’t think of it as a chore, but instead as part of the experience and the holiday,” Greg said.

Chris Birch, six-time New Zealand Enduro Champion, said it was important that motorcyclists consider what is in front of them. “Most people only react to what’s 20m in front of them. Look as far ahead as possible to avoid anything unexpected.”

Motorcyclists are more vulnerable and have longer stopping distances than cars especially at higher speeds. Andrew Stroud, nine-time National Superbike Champion, said “90 percent of your stopping power is in your front brake – learn how to use it, as it can be your only chance of stopping in a hurry, if you need to.”

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

The Wanaka Sun would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the community for their generosity during this year’s WANAKA SUN CHRISTMAS FOOD DRIVE We couldn’t do it without your support and the support of our many volunteers, drivers, cubs, St Johns cadets, scouts and our emergency services: the fire brigades, the police and St John Ambulance Service.

Thanks also to Alan and Sue McKay, Hirepool, Classic Hits Southern Lakes, Radio Wanaka, and a big thanks to Mount Aspiring College for the use of the gym to sort the donations.

Christmas hampers are now being distributed by Community Networks and the goods you donated will continue to benefit people under the care of organisations such as Salvation Army, Presbyterian Support Church groups, Strengthening Families, the Cancer Society and Upper Clutha Women’s Support throughout 2014.

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PAGE 19

sunnews

A gig a day for the holidays Laura Williamson Wanaka Sun For many local businesses, the busy holiday season is the time to make hay while the sun shines.

This is certainly true of musician Helen Carter, who will be giving her chops quite the workout as one of the town’s busiest performers over the Christmas-New Year period.

Taking the stage on both keyboard and sax, Helen will be playing five gigs in five days in Wanaka with her bands Rock Hopper and Tin Flowers.

Rock Hopper is performing on December 27, 30 and 31, while Tin Flowers has gigs on December 28 and 29.

Rock Hopper, known for their raucous live shows, play a mix of originals and covers, with the Black Keys’ ‘Lonely Boy’ proving to be the biggest crowd pleaser, according to Helen. Tin Flowers, who played their first public gig at Wanakafest in October, perform a more jazz-influenced “instrumental groove”, she said.

Drummer Jeff Sinnott will be joining her in both bands for all five gigs as well.

Originally from London, Helen started playing music “obsessively” from the age of

PAGE 20

PHOTOS: WANAKA.TV

five. She worked as a musician for ten years in London as an adult, taking on everything from rock to funk to folk to African music, “basically whoever would pay me.” A touch of burnout led to travels which landed her in Queenstown. She said she barely played during her first five years in New Zealand, but when she came to Wanaka she found herself jamming with

local musicians Rick Shaw and Sam Orbell (Sam is also in Rock Hopper) “literally within a day”.

Helen, who also teaches private lessons in sax, clarinet, flute and piano/keyboard, praised local venues for supporting musicians in Wanaka, and said audiences here really got behind bands from the area. “They really appreciate seeing locals play,” she said.

Asked if five gigs in five days

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was a record for her, she said it wasn’t even close. Her biggest musical marathon was a month straight with ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

It wasn’t a bad job, though. Jude Law played Joseph.

Pictured are; Helen, left, with her Tin Flowers bandmates: Angela Mote, Jeff Sinnott and Dom Stayne.

sunnews

Review: Rivers - New Zeraland’s shared legacy Caroline Harker Wanaka Sun “In another hundred years, the Clutha will have an attachment for the people of Otago that will be like that which the Waikato has long had with its Maori population.

The ancestors are here, buried along its banks, drowned in its aquamarine depths, their memoires caught in the bubbles of its vast, deliberate flow. Their labours are inscribed in the schist of its walls where the gold reefs that fed the streams were worked.

Beyond these workings are the mountains, source of the Clutha, that conspired with the river to provide the special allure that locals call ‘up Central’, Otago.”

What local can resist that opening paragraph to a chapter entitled Clutha – ‘the golden river’ in David Young’s book on New Zealand rivers. Augmented by photography by his daughter, Hawea resident Aliscia Young, David tells the story of six other rivers, as well as the Clutha, and offers an insight into their timeless importance in all their power, tranquility and fragility. The Whanganui, Rakaia, Manawatu, Hakataramea-Waitaki, Rangitikei, Taramkau, Waipaoa, Motu, Buller and Waikato all have their own chapters.

On the Clutha, as with the

inbrief Wedding expo If you’re planning a wedding in Wanaka get along to the second annual Weddings in Wanaka expo in the Lake Wanaka Centre on January 5.

A range of local wedding service providers from photographers to wedding cake specialists and florists to activities for the bridal party, will be exhibiting. This year, organisers are donating 50 percent of the door sales to Wanaka Hospice Shop, and the first 300 through the door will receive a goodie bag.

New faces for board

PHOTO: SUPPLIED PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

other rivers, David’s coverage is comprehensive. We learn that Captain James Cook first mistook the mouth of the Clutha for a harbour, and later named it after his ship’s master, Robert Molyneux.

We learn that Ngati Mamoe, followed by Ngai Tahu, were firing podocarp vegetation on the river flats from the 15th century, and farmers were burning totara forest remnants in the Upper Clutha into the 1980s. The gold rushes and the damming are extensively covered and we meet

local activists from those times including dentist Paul Powell and farmer/publican Charlie Perriam.

There is also information about the river’s sources including the Kawarau, and its tributaries (the Shotover, Arrow and Nevis) and the rivers of the Upper Clutha including the Hawea, Matukituki and Makarora.

At the Wellington launch of the book, Fish and Game’s Bryce Johnson spoke of how the political standing of our rivers had changed and pronounced it a timely book

THURSDAY 26.12.13 - WEDNESDAY 01.01.14

which will give further integrity to the debate around clean water in New Zealand.

Photographer Aliscia Young also spokeatthelaunch,commentingon each river’s own palate and unique voice and of the communities associated with them. She said she wanted to portray a sense of hope for the rivers’ future and protection.

Pictured is Aliscia’s photo from page 188 of the book; Cattle at dusk under pivot irrigation near Luggate.

Wanaka Community Board member Ross McRobie is the new chairman of the Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust board which oversees the international airshow.

Board member Garth Hogan stepped down in September and Murray Cleverley and Bill Gordon will step down at the next airshow. Three new trustees have joined the board: Nelson-based Robyn Reid co-owns an aviation company and has extensive experience in aviation regulations; Auckland businessman Brett Nicholls, who is a member of the New Zealand Warbirds Association executive and owns a number of aircraft including a Strikemaster Jet; and Wanaka-based director John Gilks who is the chairman of the Queenstown Airport Company.

The other trustees are Otago Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive John Christie and Galloway Cook Allan partner Stephen Grant.

PAGE 21

sunnews

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Free text message classifieds from the Wanaka Sun

gardentips

from Dr Compost

Magical summer in the garden It’s time to take a break in your garden, sit back and reap the rewards of all that early work.

Give yourself a pat on the back for all the successes. Don’t worry about any failures – they are just part and parcel of the gardening journey. But make sure the water’s on, and those tomato laterals get picked out.

Otherwise rejuvenate, ready for the next burst of enthusiasm needed in the New Year.

Let’s be honest, most gardens around New Zealand need some resilience over the month of January. New Zealand comes to a standstill, with lakes, parks, camping grounds and holiday homes full to the brim. Millions of veges around the country get lonely. Some will have it harder as watering systems fail or we have our usual bout of seasonal climatic events to test them. Deluges of rain, hail, Nor’westers and scorching, sun-baked days. It’s a wonder there’s anything left in anyone’s vege gardens. Add into the mix the birds getting cheekier and the rabbits noticing your absence. You could come back to a disaster.

So there are a few easy things you can do to prevent any end of the world scenarios in your garden.

Check your water supply. Does your battery water-timer need a replacement? Or maybe you just need a battery powered water-timer so those veges don’t feel so neglected and you have some peace of mind.

Top up your mulch around all those plants. It keeps the ground moist and stops the scorching sun and blistering winds. You can use anything from old woolen blankets, cardboard and straw. You can even chop and drop weeds and flowers that might be getting out of control in your garden.

All good mulch. Chop a load of comfrey and spread it round your tomato plants, mulching and feeding your plants at the same time.

Mulch also stops the rain from leaching your soils of all the hard earned goodies you’ve been giving it. I know I might be over optimistic of any deluges arriving until next winter, but Christmas/New Year seems to traditionally bring a downpour or two.

Consider building some shade cloth boxes or putting a few hoops onto your beds to hold the shade cloth. Many plants will

appreciate the extra attention you give them, especially tender leafy greens. You’ll slow their bolting tendencies in the sweltering hot sun.

A side dressing of compost and a liquid feed every week or so and your veges will feel the holiday love and keep on giving.

In the garden this month Make some liquid fertilizer using a bag of manure, weeds or a comfrey plant.

Put manure and water in a bucket let sit for few days.

Dilute at least 10 to 1; if you are using strong manure like chicken, dilute 20 to 1.

Stuff the weeds or comfrey in a bucket or barrel, fill with water. Let it sit for a couple of weeks. Dilute 10 to 1 and use either as a foliar spray or direct

Pilots confirmed for jet racing A NASA astronaut, and veteran of six space-shuttle flights, has been confirmed as one of the pilots taking part in the #GigatownWanaka Jet racing event at the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow next Easter.

On the Reno team, five-time Reno Jet Air Race Champion Colonel Curtis Brown of the United States, will be joined by three-time Red Bull World Air Race champion, Mike Mangold, and John Kokshoorn who lives in Australia but has competed at the Reno Jet Air Races. The three visiting pilots will be flying Aero L-29 jets.

“Jet racing is fast and exciting, both for the pilots and the spectators on the ground. Group racing around a 14km closed course yields speeds over 700kph, with maximum G-forces in turns, and the challenges of passing,” Mike said. “We’ve heard a lot about Warbirds Over Wanaka and very much want to be a part of it.”

Seasoned jet pilots Brett Emeny, Paul ‘Huggy’ Hughan and Peter Vause make up the New Zealand team. Brett has been flying for nearly 40 years and will be competing in his own Vampire. Paul will also be flying a Vampire and Peter will be piloting his Aero L39.

02 20 786 778 *20 word limit, standard network rates apply, deadline Tuesday 4pm, text message only.

For other equiries Phone 03 443 5252

PAGE 22

soil drench.

Time to harvest your garlic.

Traditionally garlic is dug up on the longest day but take a closer look at what your garlic is doing. When the bottom two or three leaves wilt it’s time to dig up. Stop watering a few days before to allow the ground to dry out a bit. This includes waiting a few days after any seasonal rain. Save the biggest and best bulbs for next year’s crop. Hang in a shady, airy spot to dry.

Check any compost piles for moisture levels. At this time of year they have a tendency to dry out and stop composting, especially black plastic compost bins. Give them a couple of waters over a couple of days.

Get a handful of tiger worms off a friend and add them to the heap to help boost your goal for the black crumbly goodness.

The black plastic bins need to be watered once a week when it’s hot and windy. Having them in a shady spot or under a deciduous tree at this time of year will help them not to dry out so quickly.

Consider giving your worm farm some shade. They will be thankful for it. Moisture levels should be fine but keep checking, it is Central Otago after all.

Observation is the key to more success in the garden. Take a moment in your garden to see what’s going on. This is when we learn the most about our gardens on many different levels.

THURSDAY 26.12.13 - WEDNESDAY 01.01.14

sunnews

Summer rock legends Staff Reporter Wanaka Sun More than 9000 tickets have already been purchased for the 2014 Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert featuring legendary British rock band 10cc, rock legends Starship featuring Mickey Thomas and rock royalty Lynyrd Skynyrd on Saturday February 15.

CEO of event promoter Greenstone Entertainment, Amanda Calvert said it is “very important to us that we deliver a fantastic overall concert experience for everyone. The feedback we receive is overwhelmingly positive but there are always tweaks that can be made to make things even better.�

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Improvements for 2014 include a bigger stage production, an area for those using umbrellas for shade, and improved traffic flows exiting the venue. Concert goers can bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages and free water will be available at the venue.

Gates are opening at 11am, with local artist

Jody Direen opening the show followed by 10cc at 1pm, Starship at 3pm and Lynyrd Skynyrd at 5pm. Strictly limited local tickets are available at i-SITE Queenstown and Wanaka, A Taste of Gibbston in Arrowtown, and at Gibbston Valley Winery and tickets are also available online at Ticketek.

ticketgiveaway The Wanaka Sun has a double pass to giveaway this week: tell us your favourite song by any of the featured artists to go into the draw. Entries with your contact details to admin@thewanakasun.co.nz or on our Facebook page.

THURSDAY 26.12.13 - WEDNESDAY 01.01.14

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THURSDAY 26.12.13 - WEDNESDAY 01.01.14

sunviews

TXT MESSAGE

BOARD TAKE IT EASY THIS CHRISTMAS AND REMEMBER STRESSED IS JUST DESSERTS SPELLED BACKWARDS(YUM) HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY. NOW THE SEASON OF CHRISTMAS - IL Y A DE L’AMOUR PARTOUT! (THAT’S FRENCH) AND CARPE DIEM (SEIZE THE DAY). ANOTHER OF THE SECRETS OF WANAKA WE ARE PROUND OF. THANKS TO THE WONDERFUL STAFF OF THE WANAKA SUN. THEY ARE GREAT. THANK YOU TO ALL THE STAFF WHO HAS CREATED WANAKA – THE TIDINESS ETC - TO ADD TO ITS INDIVIDUAL PLACE CALLED WANAKA – A SPECIAL PLACE – THE CROSSROADS TO THE WORLD. JUST IS CASE YOU DON’T CRACK ANY CRACKERS HERE’S A JOKE FOR YOU: Q: WHY WAS SIX SCARED OF SEVEN? A: BECAUSE SEVEN “ATE” NINE. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY….WHEN IN DOUBT, MUMBLE. CAN I ASK ALL THE BOATIES TO PLEASE BE CAREFUL OF THE KIDS AND SWIMMERS THIS CHRISTMAS. INSTEAD OF HANGING AROUND ROYS BAY PLEASE GO UP THE LAKE AND FIND YOURSELF A SECLUDED SPOT TO TEAR AROUND. PLEASE. LIGHT TRAVELS FASTER THAN SOUND. THIS IS WHY SOME PEOPLE APPEAR BRIGHT UNTIL YOU HEAR THEM SPEAK. RE YOUR FRONT PAGE STORY-THE MAIN WAY ICELAND AND OTHER NORDIC COUNTRIES HAVE REDUCED TEEN DRINKING HAS BEEN TO MASSIVELY INCREASE THE PRICE OF ALCOHOL. NZ TAKE NOTE

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.

EDITORIAL As the final days of 2013 tick away, it’s tempting to look back and weigh up the successes and disappointments of the past 12 months. In Wanaka, the tally board looks good. Highs (the Festival of Colour, the Cabaret on Ruby, sporting success in swimming, cycling, kayaking, rowing and at the Special Olympics, lapping second-placed Oamaru in the Gigatown competition) outnumber the lows (the loss of our librarians, the end of an era at Snowpark, bras gone AWOL). And, really, our lows aren’t that low, as James and Francesca Voza’s trip to the storm-devastated Philippines will remind us. Take this time, then, not to worry, or to grumble, but to give thanks that we have the mad luck to live in the place that we do, in the time that we do.

Smile. Take a walk. Eat a cherry. Swim. Laugh with your friends. Happy New Year, Wanaka, see you in 2014.

Drug education It is out of order that Detective Bryan Gillespie has the expertise to publicly comment that LSD, MDMA and cannabis are a major contributor to people’s depression and suicidal tendencies.

MDMA is used widely by foreign government doctors to help people open up about their horrible war experiences. Cannabis: habitual not addictive. It used by the medical profession in many parts of the world for treatment of nausea and pain. Alcohol causes a lot more problems in the community than any of these substances.

Families do not talk about mental health issues and only talk about drugs in the negative. Through good education about drugs reduces harm – they are here in our society and are not going away.

Sure keep the bad drugs such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, synthetic cannabis out of town and the country. Stop trying to scare society with excuses for people’s mental illness by saying the main contributor is LSD, MDMA and cannabis.

Tim Burden Wanaka For those concerned with drugs and drug use you can find information and resources on the NZ Drug Foundation website DrugHelp.

To all our readers, texters, letter writers, photographers, contributors, advertisers and our delivery crew: the McKays, the RD contractors and Wanaka Rowing Club.

Thank you for your continued support.

From all the team at the 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.

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.

Please note that we will not publish anonymous letters. As with the texts, where we can identify the sender from their phone number, we request letter writers to provide their name and phone number.

On request we can withhold the name of a letter writer.

write to the editor Let the community know your views, email your letter to:

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

TXT THE WANAKA SUN

021 986 786 Issue 641 Thursday December 26, 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 and Cromwell.

*200 words or less

For Wanaka news and events Like us on facebook

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 Jake Kilby 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 26.12.13 - WEDNESDAY 01.01.14

facebook/ WanakaSun #GigatownWanaka PAGE 25

sunclassifieds

Classifieds for sale

notice

notice

SGT DAN Poultry layer mash $25 for 25kg. 4434944

HORSE GRAZING/AGISTMENT use of facilities & riding area including all weather arena. On site owner close to Wanaka. Happy to discuss Juliat@ihug.co.nz 0275091972

WANAKA LIQUOR Centre Come and ask about Tui T-Shirts ready for 1 day cricket info@wanakaliquorcentre. co.nz03 4431466

PONY POO - Gold for your garden! 7/4 trailer load $30 delivered ph/txt Grace or Julia 4434494, 0275091972 2014 PHOTOGRAPHIC calenders for sale. $25 each or 2 @ $45. View on facebook Erica Leather Photography.

Tel. 0212572708.

A B S T R A C T PHOTOGRAPHIC Cards & calendars for sale.

View on facebook Erica Leather Photography. Tel. 0212572708.

CHIEF BOOKS at the Sunday Craft Market. Come and meet Chief!

FOR SALE: Weaner pigs.

Well grown Duroc cross.

Ready now. Phone 4431361.

LAKE HAWEA section.

Close to lake/shops/primary school, mountain views. Price negotiable, phone 4439310 or 021656655.

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

BEAUTIFUL CHINA tea cup bird feeders, great for attracting wax eyes and bell birds to your garden. Make the perfect presents $20 ph 443 1017 or txt 021 680 110

notice CRESTED GREBE sighting?

Please contact John Darby: johntedarby@gmail.com GIGATEERS! EMAIL your name, phone number and availability to Gemma at gigatown.wanaka@gmail.com or Claire at claire@mtuptonlodge.co.nz.

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.

BOWEN THERAPY practitioners in wanaka. Lyn brown 443 7388 www.naturalhealth.co.nz Cathy rodgers 443 7907 www.lakesbowentherapy.com .Gentle,fast and effective results.

LIQUOR CENTRE open all holidays, closed Christmas Day, hours 10am - 9pm 7 Days a week.info@wanakaliquorcentre.co.nz 03 4431466

WANAKA WASTEBUSTERS has presents that don’t cost the earth. Gift table and vouchers. 9am-5pm every day except Christmas Day. WIFI RISKS - on YouTube ‘Dangers of Wifi’, ‘Wifi in schools - The Facts’, ‘Smartmeters + EMF Radiation - Health Crisis’.

And websites; safespace. net.nz , banthetower.co.nz, s t o p s m a r t m e t e r s. o r g . n z , electromagnetichealth.org

rent OFFICE TO Let. 36m2 standalone office plus share of kitchen, toilet, shower, terrace & carpark. $150/m2 plus GST & outgoings, 027 663 6224

services MATHS TUTOR in Wanaka.

Tutoring in maths, physics and german, up to college/ university level. Improve your marks or to prepare for exams, just contact me.

0223918812 MOVING ON? Wanaka Wastebusters picks up donated goods for free, call 443-8606 to help us help our community and the environment. Resaleable condition only please.

NOTICE OF AGM: the Luggate Community Association AGM will be held on Saturday 11th January 2014 at 11am in the Luggate Hall. Open to all. A special warm welcome to all new residents.

PHILIPPINE FUNDRAISER for generator francescaspizza@gmail.com Or phone 0226399079.

For FREE listing text your advert to

PORTALOO HIRE and cleaning, call if you require an extra loo over the Xmas break.

Aaron 4434175

Wanted HOME REQUIRED: preferably long term and furnished. good refs.happy 2 share with female.solo mum.please contact kel 0223119113 RESPONSIBLE, FLEXIBLE holiday babysitter required. $15/hr, some day/evening hours. 27 Dec-11Jan 2014.

Can you help please? Rachel 0211550844 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to help collect email addresses and promote #GigatownWanaka this summer. Email Gemma - gigatown.wanaka@gmail.com or Claire- claire@mtuptonlodge. co.nz to register.

Advertise in the Wanaka Sun Prime display ad space available now.

03 443 5252

* Space is limited ** Term contract discounts apply

02 20 786 778

20 word limit - deadline Tuesday 4pm - standard network rates apply PAGE 26

THURSDAY 26.12.13 - WEDNESDAY 01.01.14

sunclassifieds employment

employment

sport results

trades&services PANELBEATING

WANAKA BOWLS RESULTS WANAKA Bowls Results Friday Progressive 20:12:13 Skip 1 K Chartres, 2 Glad Cross, 3 Michael Barnett. Third 1 Trevor Tovey 2 Norman Matheson 3 John Barton. Lead 1 Charles Kiewiet 2 Gerard McCarthy 3 Dennis Schofield

advertise in the P 03 443 5252

employment

CURTAINS

employment

CONCRETE CUTTING

advertise in the P 03 443 5252

THURSDAY 26.12.13 - WEDNESDAY 01.01.14

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sunsport

C2C: Braden vs Ussher Staff Reporter Wanaka Sun The men’s title for 32nd Coast to Coast race is anticipated by organisers to be a close battle between Wanaka’s Braden Currie (pictured) who won for the first time last year and six-time winner Richard Ussher.

Braden confirmed his entry in the February 15 One Day event but was unable to discuss details of the race yesterday as he was on his bike for a three hour ride.

Inareleasefromtheeventorganisers, Richard was quoted as being more motivated this year.

“RightnowBradenCurrieiscertainly the benchmark in multisport. As soon as I heard he was racing I was keen to come back and hopefully try to push him a bit harder than in 2013.”

“It really is going to be a classic

Bid for Grand Prix

case of youth versus experience,” race director Robin Judkins said. “But the Speight’s Coast to Coast is a race that favours experience and planning as much as raw talent. Anyone who

finishes in the top five or ten probably has the talent to win, but no one has more experience than Richard and he doesn’t seem to be slowing down either.”

Freeskier Lyndon Sheehan of Wanaka was the top performer amongst the New Zealand ‘park and pipe’ team at last weekend’s World Cup Grand Prix event, putting him in a good position for selection in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

Lyndon placed 12th overall in a strong international field in the halfpipe event at Copper Mountain which was won by American Gus Kenworthy.

Lyndon, who was born in Australia and has lived in Wanaka since the age of seven, had to apply three times for New Zealand citizenship before he was successful as his time competing on the Northern Hemisphere winter circuit meant he was unable to fulfil immigration requirements.

Three other local skiers, Beau-James Wells, Janina

Kuzma and Lyndon’s sister Amy, who represents Australia, narrowly missed the cut for the halfpipe finals.

With three more Olympic qualification events before Sochi, both Beau-James and Janina are still ranked high enough to be considered for a final selection in late January.

Freeski halfpipe is expected to be the discipline in which New Zealand has its strongest representation at the games.

Jossi and Byron Wells sat out the competition due to injury but are both expected to be back in training shortly. Not competing at the Copper Mountain World Cup has meant a slight drop in rankings for both athletes but not enough to put them outside of Olympic qualifying criteria for the halfpipe discipline.

“They put in the hard yards at previous events, so we’re looking very strong for all four freeski

halfpipe men to retain their spots and be competing in Sochi,” Snow Sports NZ’s head park and pipe coach, Tom Willmott, said.

In the freeski slopestyle competition Anna Willcox placed 19th and is still considered a likely choice for Sochi by the NZOC. Beau-James has already qualified for one nation place in the men’s slopestyle and the team is hoping Jossi will recover sufficiently to qualify for a second spot.

On the women’s snowboard side, Wanaka’s halfpipe athlete Rebecca Sinclair placed 15th in Copper Mountain against a very strong international field following her silver medal the week before in Finland.

In the slopestyle competition, Wanaka’s Stefi Luxton was the best of the New Zealand athletes, landing both runs.

Shelly Gotlieb, Christy Prior and Rebecca Torr all crashed out on the snow-

Highlands Motorsport Park has formally presented a proposal to MotorSport New Zealand to host the New Zealand Grand Prix.

“One of the things on my bucket list is to hold the New Zealand Grand Prix at Highlands and I will do whatever it takes to accommodate this,” Highlands’ owner Tony Quinn said. “When MotorSport New Zealand put out a statement regarding the hosting of the New Zealand Grand Prix from 2015 onwards for three years, we said we would like to host it at Highlands.”

The NZ Grand Prix has previously been run in Manfeild Autocourse near Palmerston North and before that at Teretonga Park near Invercargill, Pukekohe Park Raceway and Christchurch’s Ruapuna Park. Highlands general manager Mike Sentch, along with Tony, went to Wellington to make the presentation.

“Our proposal was very well received and the executive members could see Highlands would take a different angle to promoting the New Zealand Grand Prix which, over the decade or two, has lost some of the lustre and prestige it once had,” Mike said. An announcement regarding the 2015 to 2017 host of the New Zealand Grand Prix will be made at the 2014 race at Manfeild.

Kayaker classic

Top of the performers Tim Brewster Wanaka Sun

sportbrief

slowed course.

New Zealand Olympic team hopefuls must qualify for national quota spots set by their International Federations as well as meet the New Zealand Olympic Committee selection criteria. The criteria states that athletes must compete in 50 percent of available World Cup qualifying events and finish in the top half of the field at 50 percent of these events.

The team is expected to be made up of around 14 athletes across both ice and snow sports with the majority of athletes competing in the freeski and snowboard events.

The New Zealand Curling team failed to win a quota spot for Sochi 2014 at the final qualifier in Germany earlier this month and will not be eligible for Olympic selection.

New Zealand Olympic team selection will be complete by midlate January 2014.

Kayakers will have a good opportunity to put a dent in their Christmas calorie count with the 54km Clutha Classic on Sunday morning.

The race to the junction of the Lindis River sets out from the Wanaka foreshore at 10am and attracts a number of multisporters and dedicated kayakers from around the country. A shorter 39km “sprint” race from the Albert Town bridge is also included. Entry is possible on the day with a kayak grade 2 certificate of proficiency required.

IRISH MUSIC ALL WEEK Thursday 26/12 - Hair of the Dog The boys are here for their 1st gig back at Fitzys. sure to get the party season started.

Friday 27/12 The Thieving Gypsy Bastards Im sure you know how much these guys rock it. If not come experience it for yourself.

Saturday 28/12 - The Thieving Gypsy Bastards Back for more good times. Bring your dancing shoes.

Sunday 29/12 - Hair of the Dog Playing ass kicking music to get you dancing till late.

Monday 30/12 - Hair of the Dog This will be a great warm up for the big one. Get on down.

New Years Eve Tuesday 31/12 The Thieving Gypsy Bastards Come say good bye to 2012 the right way with some Irish rock . Free Entry all night.

$10 pizzas every night till late Open with free pool from 4pm Monday - Sunday Want to play live or use the pub as a daytime rehearsal space? Pop in for a chat!

Come see us @ facebook.com/fitzpatrickswanaka Find us on the corner of Helwick Street and Brownston Street 57 Helwick st, Wanaka | 03 443 4537 | fitzpatrickswanaka@gmail.com

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