Wanaka Sun - New Year edition

Band-aid for staff woes The Government has made it easier for tourism businesses to employ overseas visitors for shortterm roles, it announced last week. PAGE 2

Audiologist’s amazing journey A Wanaka man says he couldn’t wipe the smile from his face during his visit to the remote Pitcairn Island and the grin returns whenever he recalls the adventure. PAGE 5

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WANAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER

inside:

Judkins leaving PAGE 2

New Kiwis PAGE 4 The sun sets on day one of the Rhythm and Alps music festival in the Cardrona Valley on Tuesday.

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Driver complaints skyrocket Jessica Maddock Wanaka Sun

Year in review PAGES 8–13

Picnics and races PAGE 17

The Wanaka police are receiving a “continuous stream” of complaints from members of the public about other people’s driving, Sergeant Aaron Nicholson said.

Many of the complaints were about unsafe passing manoeuvres, such as passing on blind corners or where yellow lines had been painted on the road.

Some drivers were too impatient, he said, while others could be inconsiderate by not pulling over to let motorists pass if they were travelling slowly.

There are 30 extra police officers in Wanaka for the New Year period, in addition to the local force of 15.

Sgt Nicholson said the high number of driving complaints was probably due to greater awareness of the public reporting system of calling *555, rather than a decline in driving standards.

All calls to the *555 number were

followed up by the police. The offending driver was warned, or issued with an infringement notice providing the complainant was prepared to give evidence in court if the driver defended the charge.

Public awareness of other people’s driving may also have increased following the recent high-profile fatal crashes near Luggate and on the Crown Range, he said.

People in the Upper Clutha area realised the greatest threat to their safety at this time of year was on the

roads, with some people driving after drinking, overseas visitors potentially driving on the wrong side of the road, and some New Zealand motorists being impatient and driving dangerously.

“We need local people to set a good example, to drive appropriately and hopefully that will influence the drivers of other vehicles behind them,” Sgt Nicholson said.

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Driver complaints skyrocket Continued from page 1...

The public’s awareness of the new, lower breathalcohol limits had been “very good” and most people who were uncertain about how much alcohol they could drink and still drive under the new law had “erred on the side of caution.”

However, some under-20-year-olds – who cannot drink any alcohol before driving had “not made good choices,” Sgt Nicholson said, and they made up half of the ten people who had been caught drinkdriving in the Wanaka area during the past week.

The Wanaka police were breath-testing drivers “all the time,” including in the mornings when people’s drinking the previous evening could still be affecting their ability to react quickly to situations on the road, Sgt Nicholson said.

There had also been three search and rescue operations during the past week.

A Spanish woman who had been climbing in the Matukituki Valley area had been evacuated with suspected appendicitis and treated at the Wanaka Medical Centre, and a Mexican man had been brought out of the same valley after breaking his ankle in a canyoning accident.

Land Search and Rescue members had also ventured into the Timaru Creek area to find a group of trampers who were overdue. There had been a miscommunication between them and their pick-up person about how long they were staying in the area and they were found to be safe and well, Sgt Nicholson said.

This was a normal number of search and rescue callouts for this time of year, he said, and the amount usually picked up after new year.

Wanaka’s chief fire officer, Ian Galloway, said the holiday season had been quiet for the volunteer brigade so far, with just two callouts.

But he warned people to be extremely careful.

“The conditions are extreme at the moment.

That rain (yesterday) morning will have helped a bit, but it’s still dry.”

Band-aid for staff woes The Government has made it easier for tourism businesses to employ overseas visitors for short-term roles, it announced last week.

Some businesses in Wanaka and Queenstown have struggled to fill short-term vacancies with New Zealand staff in recent years, and have lamented the lengthy process around hiring overseas visitors.

In response, the Tourism Industry Association (TIA) said it had reached an agreement with Immigration New Zealand and the Social Development Ministry.

The agreement meant the process around filling short-term vacancies would be “temporarily streamlined,” making it easier for tourism operators to employ overseas holidaymakers for these roles, if no suitable New Zealand candidate was available.

Essentially, the “Labour Market Check” process - where employers had to demonstrate they could not find a New Zealander to fill the vacancy - had beenexpediated.

The simplified, temporary process would be in place until the end of June, 2015.

A TIA spokesperson said the change would be a relief for its Wanaka and Queenstown members.

“Employers have been telling us that the processes they need to go through are time-consuming, especially for many skilled job vacancies.

PHOTO: NIKKI HEATH

Holidaymakers holding work visas are a lifeline for…employers looking to fill short-term positions, so it’s a real benefit if we can make it easier for them to fill such vacancies.

“Holidaymakers holding work visas are a lifeline for…employers looking to fill short-term positions, so it’s a real benefit if we can make it easier for them to fill such vacancies.”

The Tourism Export Council’s chief executive, Lesley Immink, said an adequate number of good staff was a vital part of tourism operators providing an excellent service.

“We’re delighted the Government has listened to our concerns and is taking steps to find a short-term solution. In the meantime, we’ll work with Government agencies on developing longer-term solutions to address workforce needs in the tourism industry.”

The TIA was developing a People and Skills Strategy to address issues affecting the supply and skills of tourism labour.

In order to achieve Tourism 2025’s goal of $41 billion in visitor expenditure by 2025, the industry needed the right people in the right place at the right time, the TIA’s spokesperson said.

Total liquor ban Staff Reporter Wanaka Sun

The Queenstown Lakes District Council’s 24-hour liquor ban came into effect last Saturday.

The ban includes the lakefront from west of Edgewater to McKay Street, and is bordered by Meadowstone Drive, Cardrona Valley and Golf Course roads and Stone, Macpherson and Ardmore streets in Wanaka. In Lake Hawea, the ban includes the lakefront from the bridge to Muir Road, bordered by Cemetery and Domain roads.

The 24-hour liquor bans are in place from 6am, December 27 2014 to 6am, January 6, 2015.

The ban prohibits the consumption, possession and bringing of alcohol into the specified areas and the consumption and possession of alcohol in a vehicle in the specified areas which are included on maps (available on the council’s websites).

Those found to be in breach of the alcohol ban could be issued with a $250 fine.

Pictured: putting up the signs at the entrance to Wanaka on Sunday morning are Nicholas Cooper and Dean Robertson from the QLDC horticulture team.

Judkins leaving town Caroline Harker Wanaka Sun The man who started the Baptist Church in Wanaka is moving back to Christchurch. Warren Judkins first came here 15 years ago to establish the church. Church meetings were held in a private home, then at Cinema Paradiso. Later they were held at Mount Aspiring College’s International Language Centre and now they are held in the Lake Wanaka Centre.

Warren began building his Lake Hawea home in 2004, with the help of friends.

“Back then I lived in a caravan on a windy site, and showered outdoors even in winter,” he said. “I got four minutes of hot water from an immersion element in a preserving pan on the roof of a shed.”

Warren works as a teacher and, after five years here, he returned to a job in Christchurch. He returned with his wife Rhonda in 2009, and they have two children, Amber, 5, and Joshua, 3. Warren is still involved in the Baptist Church helping the pastor, Jim Patrick, on a regular basis.

He also worked at Mount Aspiring College, teaching physics and maths.

Warren said he has loved his time in the Upper Clutha.

“All six churches in town always work very well together,” he said. “I have particularly enjoyed taking the monthly nondenominational services at St Ninian’s [in Hawea Flat].

“We have been blessed to know many wonderful folk in the community. While the pull of family takes us back to Christchurch, we take with us many rich memories and friendships that feel more like they are beginning than ending.

I feel privileged to have spent these years involved with the

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Baptist Church, Mount Aspiring College and the Hawea and Wanaka communities.”

The Judkin’s family is leaving in mid-January.

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sunnews Family fun weekend

Local freedom camping zones

There is plenty of fun for the family this weekend, starting with the Upper Clutha Presbyterian Holiday Gala on Saturday. The family fun day, which is being held at the Wanaka showgrounds from 11am to 2pm, has activities for all ages, food stalls and a dog beauty contest.

Cromwell’s Family Funday and the New Zealand Cherry Stone Spitting Championships will be held the next day (Sunday, January 4).

As well as the famous stone-spitting championships, there are several other cherryrelated events happening, including count the cherries in the jar, a cherry ping-pong ball race in the mall stream, and a cherry pie baking competition.

The funday will be held at The Mall from 11am to 3pm.

Stokes to leave QLDC Queenstown Lakes District Council general manager operations Ruth Stokes is stepping down from the role. She has been appointed to the position of infrastructure and networks general manager in the Dunedin City Council. She will start at the DCC in February.

Ruth has been in the QLDC role for the past 16 months and was the Lakes Leisure chief executive prior to that.

People planning to freedom camp in the Queenstown Lakes District this holiday season are being urged to check the council’s rules. Freedom camping is allowed on the council-owned land indicated on the maps (above and right) providing people camp away from town centres and residential properties and their campervan is fully self-contained with a toilet, wastewater and rubbish facilities onboard. Fires are prohibited and camping is only allowed for two nights. Breaching the rules could result in a $200 fine, the council said.

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sunnews

New Kiwis in town

Caroline Harker Wanaka Sun Five Upper Clutha residents became New Zealand citizens on Tuesday, December 16. They were (pictured): Swede Myran Hagenfeldt, American Jared Robinson, Brazilian Daiane Ferri Gledhill, Australian Andrea Oxley and Jennie Nelson from Ireland. Myran does sales and marketing for Maude Wines, Daiane

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has a marquee and party hire business, Andrea is a director at Aspiring Guides, and Jennie is an architect with Sarah Scott Architects. The five were among 21 people who became Kiwis at the last citizenship ceremony for 2014, with Queenstown Lakes District Council Mayor Vanessa van Uden.

No broom allowed Caroline Harker Wanaka Sun Property owners around the district are being asked to be vigilant about broom control. The spring weather has allowed strong growth of the noxious pest and anyone with broom on their property is advised to eradicate the plant before the seed heads burst.

Hawea trio John Taylor, Di Turnbull and Barbara Chinn have come up with some Upper Clutha specific advice on controlling broom. They say Vigilant and Triumph, which come in applicator bottles, work well.

The products should be dabbed onto broom stumps within 15 minutes of cutting them, to be effective, they said. While this can be done at any time of year, it is usually done when the broom is in flower and easily seen.Â

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The alternative to poisoning is to dig the roots completely out of the ground.

Broom was brought into Otago, along with gorse, by early settlers for use as hedging plants. Both plants soon spread around the countryside and became noxious pests.

Broom is an aggressive plant which survives at up to 1500m above sea level. It is a dark green deciduous shrub which grows up to 3m tall, with smallish leaves and bright yellow flowers.

Flowers appear in early spring and develop into pods by summer.

Broom seed can lie dormant in the soil for up to 80 years, which means control is required on a long-term basis.

sunnews

Audiologist’s amazing journey Jessica Maddock Wanaka Sun A Wanaka man says he couldn’t wipe the smile from his face during his visit to the remote Pitcairn Island and the grin returns whenever he recalls the adventure.

Audiologist Scott Wright recently visited Pitcairn to assess the residents’ hearing and provide help for those who needed it.

Pitcairn’s one of four volcanic islands making up the Pitcairn Group of Islands. Spread over a large area in the southern Pacific Ocean, the islands’ area totals about 47sqkm.

At 3.6km across, Pitcairn’s the only inhabited one. In saying that, only about 40 of the island’s approximately 56 residents – all from four main families – were there when Scott visited.

Getting from Wanaka to Pitcairn took four days. The “pretty amazing journey” began with a flight from Queenstown to Auckland and then onto Tahiti, where another plane took them to a “handkerchief” of an airstrip on the most eastern of the French Polynesian atolls. There, a “tiny” cargo ship was boarded and the 36-hour journey to Pitcairn began. “I’ve heard it categorised as one of the most remote places on earth.

It would be easier to get to the South Pole,” Scott said. And, yes, the sea was rough – 4m swells and 40-knot winds for the entire journey. “There were ten visitors to the island onboard and everyone got crook within the first hour. I was the only one who didn’t get crook.”

The passengers included New Zealand Government officials and engineers, all making the journey to “keep the island going.” Plus one tourist with a story to tell – Bill from Memphis, Tennessee, a former soldier attempting to visit every country in the world.

Pitcairn’s now Britain’s only overseas territory in the Pacific and the British Government reimburses New Zealand for providing services to the island’s residents, “mainly because of its historical significance,” Scott said.

The cargo ship – Claymore II – eventually moored in Bounty Bay, where the Royal Navy ship, the HMS Bounty, was burned following the famous Mutiny on the Bounty in 1789. To cut a wellknown story short, the mutiny was led by Fletcher Christian – whose descendent Jackie Christian was instrumental in getting Scott to the island – against the captain, Lieutenant William Bligh who, according to accounts, was a harsh leader. The mutineers set Lt Bligh afloat in a 7m boat with the crew who were loyal to him and settled on Pitcairn or Tahiti, burning the Bounty off Pitcairn. Incredibly, Lt Bligh made it nearly 7000km to

Timor, from where he returned to Britain and reported the mutiny. The HMS Pandora was sent to capture the deserters.

The mission was successful but the Pandora ran aground

who were with them – still live on Pitcairn.

English speaking, they have a “unique twang,” Scott said, which he understands is similar to Norfolk Islanders.

I’ve heard it categorised as one of the most remote places on earth. It would be easier to get to the South Pole. on Great Barrier Reef, killing several prisoners. Those who survived were later hanged, acquitted or pardoned in Britian.

Some descendants of the mutineers – and the Tahitians

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“Apparently there were 300plus on Pitcairn at one stage. It got too busy, so the Queen (of the time) gave them Norfolk.

Some people went there and some of them came back.”

On arrival in Bounty Bay,

Scott was immediately struck by the clarity of the water.

They were in 40m of water and he could see the bottom. “It literally is a bounty. There’s fish everywhere and amazingly clear water.”

The islanders collect visitors in longboats and, with no visitor accommodation on the island, they are billeted with local families. “That’s the most magical part – staying with people who descended from the original mutineers.”

Like the locals, Scott largely lived on freshlycaught seafood during his four-day visit. “And they can grow anything.

The soil’s bright red and so fertile. I had the best cucumber of my life there.”

The islanders make money from the 25 cruise ships which visit each year. The ships’ passengers are collected by longboats for day trips to the island and its museum, with houses relics of the HMS Bounty, including its cannon.

The islanders also supply the ships with seafood, mangoes, bananas and other produce.

There’s a school on Pitcairn, a town square where the mayor’s office is, a church, an “unofficial wee” pub, a store which sells hoses, shovels and the like, which is open about two hours a week, and one which sells non-perishable foodstuffs.

They’re friendly and hospitable people, Scott said, but they don’t like talking

about the island’s more recent notoriety. In 2004 sexual offence charges were laid against seven men who lived on Pitcairn and six who resided abroad, after it was discovered the island had the world’s highest number of sex offenders per capita.

Some of the assaults involved children. The men – including the island’s mayor at the time – were convicted by a court set up on the island for the trial, which received extensive global media coverage. Despite appealing, in 2006 they were jailed in a prison set up on the island by the British Government.

By 2010 they had all either served their sentences or been granted home detention.

“They’re not proud of it.

They just want the world to move on, they want to move on. You don’t want to ask about it,” Scott said.

Worldwide, one in nine people suffer from hearing loss. Because of the widespread use of tractors, quad bikes and other noisy equipment on Pitcairn, Scott expected the figure there to be closer to 30 percent. He was stunned to discover it was 64 percent. He only took ten hearing aids to Pitcairn, so he plans to return later this year to treat another 12 people. He’s so fascinated by the island that he plans to stay longer next time.

Scott’s also been travelling to Rarotonga for the past decade to provide audiology services. He’s running a charity throughout January, giving $500 from every purchase of a hearing device to a cause of the customer’s choice.

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High tech forest pest trap trials JessicaMaddox Wanaka Sun The latest version of a New Zealand-designed trap to eradicate forest pests is being trialled in the Fiordland National Park.

The trap – invented by Wellington industrial design company, Goodnature – is aimed at stoats, but is primarily being used to trap rats in Fiordland’s Kepler Mountains.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) stepped up its pest control efforts this year, because a one in ten to 15-year beech mast was predicted. Tonnes of seeds are dropped during a beech mast, triggering an influx of rats and stoats which feed on birds and other species when the seeds germinate.

DOC’s intensified pest eradication plan also includes dropping 1080 poison on an extra half-million hectares of conservation land nationwide this year, including in the Fiordland, Mount Aspiring, Haast and Westland areas.

The main advantage of the new trap – called an A24 – is that it is self-setting. Mounted on trees, it has a gas-powered mechanism which automatically resets the trap up to 24 times, meaning it can trap up to two dozen pests before intervention by DOC staff is required.

Free of toxins, it works by striking the skull of the pest with a piston, killing it instantly. DOC said the trap exceeds the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee and the Ministry for Primary Industry’s guidelines for a humane trap.

It can also kill mice and another version, called the A12, has been designed to eradicate possums.

DOC said the technology reduced the overall cost of trapping by 75 percent, when compared with using conventional traps.

It has been trialled throughout the country during the past four years and the feedback has been used to refine the product. This latest version was trialled in two North Island forests last season and rats were eradicated in a few months.

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About 200ha in the Kepler Mountains has been selected to test the latest version in the South Island.

Nearly 470 traps with chocolate-based bait will be laid. DOC hopes this operation will indicate whether the traps control rat numbers during a beech mast plague and then keep the rat population down over time. Its specialist on predator control, Darren Peters, said “permanent pest suppression” was needed if the population of threatened species was to grow.

“These traps are a key tool for now and the future.

They are humane, non-toxic and they reduce our precious labour costs, allowing us to do even larger areas.”

The results to date have been promising. During the past two years, DOC and community groups throughout the country have used the traps for seven pest-eradication projects and all have met their targets for controlling rats and possums.

The Fiordland project will run for a year and, if successful, it will be expanded so the same number of traps is used over twice the area in the Kepler Mountains.

A final report by DOC’s predator scientists on the effectiveness of the trap is also due to be completed this year.

The Fiordland Conservation Trust and the “Kids Restore the Kepler” programme are helping with the project and DOC has contracted a Fiordland College student, Tim Barrow, to check the traps over the summer.

Development of the new trap is being funded by DOC’s Future of Predator Control Unit and the Zero Invasive Predators group, which is a new partnership between DOC, the Next Foundation and philanthropists Gareth and Sam Morgan, formed to develop tools and systems to permanently remove introduced predators.

PHOTO: NIKKI HEATH

Pink bales for women’s health These pink bales (pictured in Cardrona Valley) are part of a national campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer in rural communities. Agpac has released a limited edition run of pink and black striped netwrap from Tama and pink balewrap from Trioplast to highlight rural women’s health and in particular breast cancer.

“Women have integral roles in the contracting and farming businesses that we work with but they seldom get the attention and recognition they deserve,” Agpac crop packaging specialist Sam Southcombe said.

“We are also aware that rural women do not have the access to the health care and information that women in our towns and cities have.

“We wanted to do something to change this and the pink balewrap and pink/black netwrap is our way of supporting breast cancer awareness.”

Agpac will donate a percentage from the sale of each roll of pink balewrap and pink/black netwrap to the Louise Perkins Foundation.

The Louise Perkins Foundation is a charitable trust that operates under the name Sweet Louise to improve the lives of New Zealanders living with secondary breast cancer.

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sunnews

infocus Every month the Wanaka Camera Club will share some tips and ideas about how to capture a perfect moment...

How to rock that shot

PHOTO: BOB MOORE

What could be better than listening to and photographing live music against a magnificent backdrop of lakes, mountains or vineyard?

Well, in our part of the country there is no shortage of opportunities to do just that.

Few would argue that pop music reverberates beyond the sound it makes - its impact has always been inextricably linked with image.

It is this that makes photographing music concerts so exciting for many photographers.

Yet pop-concert photography is one of the most challenging area you can choose. In this kind of photography we have virtually no control over any elements that makes a good picture. We can’t direct the subject being photographed; we do not have control over the lighting, which is often complex and constantly changing; and we do not have much control over angles of view. In addition, we cannot forget that there are people all around us who have paid good money to enjoy the show and they do not care that they are in our frame of vision.

However, while music photography may not always be easy, it is these difficulties that

can prove so exhilarating for photographers with a love of music. With a little planning and a little practice we can get some stunning results and have a lot of fun in achieving this.

Typically, good rock pictures are greatly influenced by the quality of the band’s light show, and the drama of colours hitting the performers. Forget using flash because it kills atmosphere and usually you will be too far from the stage for the flashgun to have any impact on the lighting. As a general rule the worse the access to the performers, the longer the lens. A 70-200mm zoom often proves a versatile choice. It is short enough to include the whole band in the frame but with great reach for detailed shots. Get as close as possible to the stage as this will give you more chance to create individual portraits of band members and close-ups of their musical instruments. Set the camera to “aperture” mode and boost the ISO to a high level. This will increase noise in the image, but it is better to take a picture that is a bit noisy than get an image without noise but is blurred because we traded the lower ISO for a

longer exposure time. With rapidly changing light patterns, selecting the correct exposure can be difficult. Shoot in raw rather than JPEG so that pictures which have been a bit over or under exposed can be compensated for in post-production editing.

Technical issues are obviously important in making good concert images. However it is not enough to get our pictures technically correct. Great images need a story and an interesting composition. This may be a close-up, for example, of a guitar, while at other times we may want to see the whole band together or include elements of the audience. The creative choice lies with the individual’s creative interpretation.

Remember, every picture tell a story.

The picture Star Ship Rocks Gibbston taken by Bob Moore was considered by the adjudicator of the Wanaka Camera Club’s monthly competition to contain some interesting elements. It was awarded honours with the judge commenting: “You have a strong image that really suits the subject.

The performers lively stance is very strong and it immediately holds the viewers’ interest and attention. The way the image has been presented with the black background adds to the appeal by not showing any distractions.

Delightful.”

Bob likes all types of music but finds outdoor rock festivals especially enjoyable.

The picture was taken at Gibbston Valley and Bob said, surrounded by 17,000 people really rocking to the music, the atmosphere was truly amazing. Bob likes to get as close as possible to the stage, and, while this means he is jostled by enthusiastic fans, it adds to the fun of photographing pop gigs.

Bob took the picture with a Nikon D600 camera with a 70-300mm lens set at 270mm.

Aperture was set at f5.6 with a shutter speed of 1/400th and an ISO of 500.

The Wanaka Camera Club is dedicated to helping to improve the photographic skills of anyone interested in photography in the Upper Clutha area. We welcome anyone to join us, irrespective of their photographic ability. If you know nothing about photography, we will teach you. Come along and see what we can do for you. The next meeting is on February 9, 7.30pm, St John Rooms, Link Way.

Lifejackets help pair out of trouble Two people had to swim to shore when their kayak sank on the Clutha River at Albert Town on Saturday.

They were paddling downstream in a two-person Indian-style kayak when they were swept broadside to the current and washed against one of the piles under the Albert Town bridge. The kayak (pictured) bent and sank.

Queenstown Lakes District Harbourmaster Marty Black said the pair were wearing lifejackets and were able to get to shore unassisted.

“It’s one of those situations where a pleasant afternoon on the river changed in an instant, but because they were both wearing lifejackets, they were able to get out of trouble when their boat sank,” he said.

QLDC’s bylaw requires everyone in a craft under 6m to wear a lifejacket at all times.

“Lifejackets are not expensive compared to the cost of the boat, and certainly they’re not expensive at all compared to the cost of a life,” Marty said.

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2014 inreview

July

Road cycling champs Mount Aspiring College students had a strong showing at their first school road cycling competition, at the South Island Secondary School Road Cycling Championship in Christchurch.

Phoebe Young (pictured) won the under-15 individual time trial and was second in the road cycling race; Ellesse Andrews was third in the under-16 individual time trial and fifth in the road cycling race; and Alex Young was seventh in the boys’ under-16 individual time trial and tenth in the road cycling race

PHOTO: OLIVER YOUNG

Martha takes title PHOTO: CAROLINE HARKER

Matariki celebration Kahu Youth youth worker Richard Elvey was “ecstatic” about the success of the Matariki celebration on the Wanaka lakefront. He said the youth group fed about 600 people from a hangi and he estimated around 1000 people joined in the activities during the day and attended the evening bonfire.

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Martha Toghill won all four of her matches 3-0 to take the under-11 title at the South Island Junior Age Group Squash Championships.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

2014 inreview Hair cuts for charity

August

Hair to Help campaign organiser Bevin Young and Wanaka Sun co-owner Nikki Heath both had their hair cut for charity. They were part of a local group who donated their hair to a charity which makes wigs for women who have lost their hair during chemotherapy.

PHOTO: CAROLINE HARKER

Shooter honoured Retired hunter and truck driver, Roger Taylor, was made a life member of the Wanaka Gun Club. Roger had been a member of the club for 48 years and the club barman since 1980.

PHOTO: CAROLINE HARKER

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Ramsden wins award Mount Barker farmer and businessman, Andy Ramsden, won a national award for his work in sheep breeding. He took out the Sheep Industry Innovation Award at the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Sheep Industry Awards in Napier. The other finalists were AbacusBio Ltd from Dunedin and Wairarapa farmers Matt and Lynley Wyeth.

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2014 inreview

f t a .

September

Radio station to beat again Wanaka radio station - Wanaka Beats - which has been off-air for a couple of years, is being revived by a group of local DJs and music lovers. They are (pictured) Jon Griffiths, Matthew (Bif) Smith, Dave Dooley, Nick Munday and (not pictured) Danny Fairley (aka Civilian Sol). The revived not-for-profit station will broadcast 24 hours a day on lower power FM and on the internet.

PHOTO: CAROLINE HARKER

Daffodils in demand

PHOTO: SCHWETA BERRY

Jup takes on La Ultra

Rebecca Glynn of Wanaka was one of several local people who volunteered to sell some of the first daffodils of spring, during the Cancer Society’s national Daffodil Day fundraising event.

Seventeen long-distance runners gathered in Leh, India, to compete in La Ultra The High race in August. There were three races - the 111km, the 222km and the inaugural 333km. Only nine runners, including Wanaka’s Justyn “Jup” Brown, competed in the 333km.

Jup was placed third overall for the distance covered and told the Wanaka Sun: “I will return and finish this race.”

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PHOTO: JESSICA MADDOCK

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2014 inreview Milly retires

October

Thirteen-year-old Labrador dog Milly, pictured with her handler Brendan “Doons” Kearns, was retired after ten years in the Treble Cone Ski Patrol. Milly was one of ten active avalanche search dogs in New Zealand. During her tenure she attended eight incidents in the Southern Lakes region and confirmed all eight potential incident sites as “cleared.”

Teacher researching penguins A Wanaka-based secondary school teacher sailed to the sub-Antarctic Auckland Islands to study yelloweyed penguins. Cromwell College teacher Christina Greenwood was one of two recipients of the 2014 Sir Peter Blake Trust Environmental Educator Award. The data she gathered would complete research into a revised population estimate.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Car skiing at Cardies PHOTO: LAURA WILLIAMSON

Two tourists escaped with minor injuries when they accelerated instead of braking in the Cardrona car park, knocking over a sturdy wooden post and sliding 150m down the ski field.

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2014 inreview Young bow-hunters star at champs

November

Sixty bow-hunters aged ten to 75 competed in the sport’s South Island championship at the Lake Hawea Holiday Park. Several locals did well: Luca Georgalli, 11, won the junior compound bow category and Brayden Horton, 15, was third; Jahnaan Hobson, 13, won the junior traditional; Magdalena Fassl, 16, won the women’s traditional long-bow; and Hayden Smith, 17, was third in the men’s long-bow. Pictured: Lee Harrison of Christchurch, Magdalena Fassl, Charlie Officer of Rakaia and Glenn Sherson of Wanaka.

PHOTO: MIKE KING

17,000km ridden during race

Bob Robertson farewelled

Three hundred mountain bikers rode a combined distance of 17,000km during the annual ten-hour race at Dean’s Bank.

Among them was (pictured) Eddie Spearing, of Wanaka, who came third in the solo men’s veteran category and 13th overall.

Wanaka entrepreneur and property developer Bob Robertson passed away at the Otago Community Hospice in Dunedin on November 16 after a short illness.

He stood down from running his property development company, Infinity Investment Group, in October for health reasons and general manager Paul Croft was appointed the managing director. Bob’s funeral was held at Corbridge Downs near Wanaka Airport.

PHOTO: ANDY WOODS

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

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THURSDAY 01.01.15 - WEDNESDAY 07.01.15

2014 inreview

Music students perform

December

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Classically Music students performed for more than 50 people at the Wanaka Library, and to the large crowd which attended their end-of-year concert (pictured) in the Lake Wanaka Centre’s Armstrong room.

Man of Movember John Cruickshank was crowned Wanaka’s Man of Movember. It was the seventh time he has taken part in Movember and this year he impressed the judges by also shaving his chest hair into the shape of a moustache.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Food bank drive great success

PHOTO: NIKKI HEATH

People in Wanaka, Hawea and Luggate donated a huge amount - ranging from turkeys, to vegetables fresh from their gardens, to wrapped Christmas presents - during the seventh annual Wanaka Sun Food Bank Drive. The collection goes toward Christmas hampers for local people who may otherwise go without festive treats and restocking Community Networks Wanaka’s food bank.

THURSDAY 01.01.15 - WEDNESDAY 07.01.15

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THURSDAY 01.01.15 - WEDNESDAY 07.01.15

sunnews

shortstory Ben, from Boulder, Colorado, is on a working holiday visa. He recently graduated from university and said New Zealand’s glorious mountain vistas and kind populace is the perfect place to work out what he’s going to do next.

An Ode To The Dishwasher Remember when you were a kid and made one of those artful abominations with the leftover water in your glass? What used to be clear H2O had so many enthusiastic inspirations it became some foul, brooding mess of collected sugar packets, spritzes of salt and pepper, napkins, Coca Cola, French fries, blobs of ketchup and whatever spare vegetable you could sneak away from your plate. You sniggered as you dared your mates to drink it and as you imagined the server’s reaction when he or she came to collect the dishes and viewed the milky, frothing masterpiece.

I remembered. I remembered quite clearly, as I was now on the receiving end of my youthful pranks, and I can tell you they’re not as funny anymore. The results had

left me soaked, dirty and smelling of a bedraggled sewer rat. With feet on a rubber, non-slip mat and arms deep in soapy suds, I was scrubbing out the cakey mess from countless dishes. I was a dishwasher.

I looked over at the stacked dishware that would rival certain architectural masterpieces for their sheer audacity— stacked plates teetering towards a crashing collapse, gritty coffee cups with brown stains from recent lattes and long blacks, clustered frying pans with egg remains and black burned gunk, Tupperware, bread pans, silverware, ladles, mixing bowls with some yellow glob, and dip cups. I looked, and I despaired. Without even a bathroom break, I had been scrubbing my little heart out for several

hours, and little progress had been made. In fact, the pile seemed to be swelling, lapping further and further up and over the edges of the counter down to the floor.

Before I hadn’t even thought about such things, but now they were inescapable. Hidden from plain view, the bowels of a kitchen are what take your dish messes and produce a sparkling clean dish with your chosen meal artfully placed upon it. And the dishwashers—they’re critical. Without them you would be drinking out of the same glass that just had some child’s horrifying concoction in it, and trust me, that is not ideal.

Sure, washing dishes isn’t seen as prestigious as being a lawyer or a doctor, but one could argue that without the dishwasher, society fails

at a primeval level. If all the lawyers go on strike, a fair amount of people would have a better day; if the dishwashers quit, we would do anything to pacify them—catered meals, outrageous health benefits, foot massages, Segways, even free puppies.

In society, we tend to forget some of the lesssavoury details when they aren’t in front of us but that doesn’t mean they stop existing. The greasy, unseen gears are what keep every Porsche running. So when you finish your delectable salmon fillet with a side of smoked quinoa or your water-cup atrocity, salute the people making this possible and especially the dishevelled, sodden dishwasher in the back.

- Ben Rietema

Cardrona bike park open Cardrona Bike Park opened last weekend, a day later than scheduled. Strong wind forced organisers to postpone the opening until Sunday.

The new bike park, which is open until January 11, features downhill and cross-country mountain bike trails accessed by a chair lift. As well as the trails, there are freeride zones catering for experienced riders and a designated park with small ride-on features for children.

Bike Wanaka will host the first round of the 2015 Mountain Bike New Zealand National Series at the park in January. The downhill will be contested on Saturday, January 10, and the cross country on Sunday, January 11.

THURSDAY 01.01.15 - WEDNESDAY 07.01.15

Cooling down on Christmas Day PHOTO: EMMA LEVINS

The temperature in Wanaka on Christmas Day was the second highest in the country, according to the MetService, prompting many residents and holiday makers to take a dip in the lake. Wanaka reached 27.5 degrees Celsius, behind Blenheim which recorded 28.9 degrees Celsius.

Pictured cooling down on the day are local men Damien Bolger and James Blunt, with Damien’s dog Leroy.

Anglers urged to be safe Staff Reporter Wanaka Sun Fish & Game is urging trout and salmon anglers to get serious about water safety over the holiday break.

Salmon anglers fishing at river mouths need to take particular care and should wear some sort of life preserver at all times.

“River mouths are treacherous, with swift currents, rips and big waves, and anglers need to be extremely careful,” Fish & Game spokesman Andrew Currie said. “That includes wearing life jackets.”

“Wearing a life preserver is literally that – a life preserver.”

In October, the coroner recommended that trout anglers wear an inflatable lifejacket in addition to their waders and belt and also carry a waterproof means of communication that they can access in an emergency.

Fish & Game recommends that anglers who have never worn waders try an emergency drill in a swimming pool before venturing out fishing.

“A day’s fishing is a fantastic family outing, but don’t compromise safety. Even in summer, the water in high country lakes and rivers is very cold,” Andrew said.

“It’s better to be safe than be lucky.”

PAGE 15

sunnews

bookreview A monthly book review from the Wanaka Library...

Before I Go to Sleep

By S.J Watson Novels about memory and madness have fascinated readers for millennia. Can we trust our own memory, can it be corrupted and when it can’t be trusted have we gone mad?

These questions are beautifully explored in S.J Watson’s hit psychological thriller Before I Go to Sleep.

Watson worked as an NHS audiologist at London’s St Thomas Hospital while writing his debut novel in his spare time.

The story revolves around Chrissie, a meek woman in her mid-40s who memory only lasts 24 hours. Every morning she wakes in her bed and doesn’t know who she is, where she is, or if the man sleeping beside her is friend or foe.

Her only lifeline to her memory is a journal she is encouraged to keep by Dr. Nash, a relationship her husband Ben doesn’t know about. The two meet occasionally to discuss her amnesia, but as soon as she goes to sleep Chrissie is back to square one.

As the story unfolds we learn (in the first person) that Chrissie’s husband and life is not all that it seems. Why did Ben not tell her she has children, or that she

PAGE 16

once published a novel?

Chrissie’s journal acts as the first clue in a complex treasure hunt leading back to her real identity, and as the story unfolds you grow more chilled and more intrigued page by page.

Watson is a natural, skilled writer and he has delivered a superb, believable first novel. This is a literary thriller of the first class, and as well

THURSDAY 01.01.15 - WEDNESDAY 07.01.15

as providing satisfying twists and turns, it also poses more serious questions about intimate relationships, trust and memory.

Watson’s second novel, Second Life, will be released in the UK in February next year. The film adaption of Before I Go to Sleep was released this year, and stars Nicole Kidman and Colin Firth.

- Eleanor Ainge Roy

sunnews PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Picnics and races at Hawea

About 2000 people attended what was believed to be the 75th annual Hawea Picnic Racing Club Gymkhana on Sunday. On a scorching day at the Hawea Domain, there were pony events in the morning and trotting races in the afternoon.

Pictured: Lauren Rimmer, who won the Christine Hewson Memorial Cup for the under-12 rider with the most points, with second place-getter Montana Hewson.

Pictured: Dylan Rimmer.

PHOTOS: PHILL HUNT

sunviews

TXT MESSAGE

BOARD A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL THOSE WHO PRODUCE THE WANAKA SUN. IT’S A GREAT PAPER, ANOTHER OF WANAKA’S SECRETS. THANKS.

A lot to learn It struck me as I was driving around town this week that as hosts we have a lot to learn.

It was the rental cars and tourists who left a gap in a long line of traffic for me to cross at a junction. It was a local who was sitting right on the bumper of a car whose driver was simply trying to find their way around our lovely town.

So “locals” take a look at yourselves and your driving. These are not just cars, these are not just tourists, these are people you are harassing by driving too close and too fast. Let them cross the road. Let them dilly-dally. Let them absorb what we take for granted – beautiful Wanaka. Let them find their way without

SLOW DOWN WANAKA! PRETEND YOU’RE ON HOLIDAY TOO, AND SMILE A LITTLE!

the pressure. And maybe you too well get into holiday mode and stop being such

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO MY AMAZING FAMILY, WISHING YOU BIG LOVE AND HAPPINESS IN 2015. I MISS YOU XX

Albert Town

a grumpy guts!

Bob Moore

LAKE HAWEA, EARLY ON THE 30TH, MAN WALKING LITTLE POSH DOG, POSH DOG POOPING IN OTHERS GARDENS, MAN TOO POSH TO PICK UP POOP. I SAW YOU POSHY PANTS. MUST TRY HARDER. REMEMBER WHEN YOU DRIVE UP AND DOWN HIGHWAY 6 WHEN DRUNK BEING RUDE TO CAFE AND BAR STAFF, YOU ARE ONLY ONE PHONE CALL AWAY FROM LOSING YOUR LICENCE.

Issue 694 Thursday January 01, 2015 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.

Phone: 03 443 5252 Fax: 03 443 5250 Text view: 021 0849 0001 Text classified: 022 0786 778 www.thewanakasun.co.nz Address: 5 Gordon Road, Wanaka Postal: PO Box 697, Wanaka Editorial manager: Ruth Bolger editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Journalists: Jessica Maddock journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Caroline Harker newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz Production: Adam Hall production@thewanakasun.co.nz Advertising: Jake Kilby marketing@thewanakasun.co.nz Linnet Julius advertising@thewanakasun.co.nz Accounts: admin@thewanakasun.co.nz

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

THURSDAY 01.01.15 - WEDNESDAY 07.01.15

PAGE 17

sunclassifieds

BODY & MIND

TERRA SERVICES! For landscaping, clearing, grading, & more. FAST, EFFICIENT. Great rates. www.terraservices.co.nz or ring Steve Rumore 027 222 6600

HOT QIGONG at Hot Yoga Fusion. Come and enjoy deep relaxation for body and mind rejuvenation. Friday 7.15pm.

Contact: James 027 528 0396 wanakaqi@gmail.com

VINTAGE & CLASSIC CAR restoration, mechanical & electrical, MOTOR HOME & CARAVAN repair and restoration. Steve Rumore 027 222 6600

LYMPHATIC CLEARANCE: Support immune system, relieve lymphoedema, swelling, pain. Cleanse. Gentle relaxing therapeutic treatment. Mon Fri. Ph Maryann 03 4436463, 021 1101160 RELAX WITH LOMI LOMI MASSAGE: Therapeutic Hawaiian - warming, flowing, nurturing. Peaceful surroundings Mon-Fri. Ph Maryann 03 4436463, 021 1101160 Aloha!

LYN BROWN BOWEN and JSJ Practitioner treating out of Wanaka Wellness Centre. For appts/info pls ph Lyn 4437388 www.naturalhealthwanaka. co.nz HU SONG at Wanaka Wellness Centre this Thursday 1st January 6pm to 6.30pm All welcome. Gold coin donation Ph 4437388 www.eckankar.husong.org AYURVEDA MASSAGE or another Ayurvedic treatment: A unique experience of self healing and relaxation. Call Martin 443 5712. www.ayurvedaora. com YOGA FOR CANCER support, recovery for patients & caregivers--ANY desiring a gentle, restoring class. 9:30AM TUESDAYS St John’s Rooms from 13 January. Jennifer 0220974596 YOGA IN HAWEA! Gentle movement with the breath. 181 Cemetery Rd EACH THURS at 9:30AM from 15 January. $12.

Jen 022 097 4596 RECONNECT WITH a sense of deep peace and love for FREE! View 15 min film The Message at WWW.LIVING-PRESENCE. ORG GENTLE YOGA connecting movement with breath, & You. 9:30 WEDS 14, 21, 29 January 33 Gunn Rd. $12 classes. Mats available. Jennifer 0220974596 FULL TIME NANNY required.

Must be experienced in caring for babies. Apply to info@babysittingwanaka.com.

NEED A portable chiller trailer for your function or wedding? Come and speak to us at Wanaka Liquor Centre. 1 Ardmore Street.

Ph 03 443 1466 WANAKA SALVATION Army Family Store Opening Hours - Monday to Friday 9am5pm, Saturday 9.30am-4pm. We look forward to seeing you there!

EXPERIENCED BABYSITTERS required. Aged 20+ years. Must have own vehicle, reliable, first aid certified and well presented. Apply to info@ babysittingwanaka.com

COME JOIN us. Volunteers required by the Salvation Army Family Store in Wanaka. Please enquire at our store or phone 03 443 5068

THREE CHAIRS Hair Salon require a full and/or part time hairdresser. Phone 443 5898

DONATIONS KINDLY received.

Please drop into the store or for larger items phone the Salvation Army Family Store on 03 443 5068

FOR SALE QUALITY ELECTRIC-BIKE brands & beautiful classic bicycles at Good Rotations, 34 Anderson, Wanaka! www. goodrotations.co, 034434349.

WHO’S BEEN to Archangel or Bannock Brae? There are lots of fabulous local wine stories that we want to share with you! w w w. wa n a k aw i n e t o u r s. c o m WINETRAIL (946387)

STANDUP PADDLE boards & accessories for sale!!! Call Miles @ Alpine SUP 021 1858001 FOR SALE firefly canoe,$200, climbing fall pad $180, SR5nudge bar$250, band saw $. 300 ph 0279116590 2006 POLARIS Sportsman 500 H.O. Quad bike. U.S. Spec, 1 owner, garaged, recreationally ridden only. Immaculate! 1300 miles and 166 hours. $6800 ono.

Steve 027 222 6600 1995 SUBARU Outback in great nic inside and out! 68,000K One owner in Japan and one briefly in NZ. $13,900. 0272226600 EXTRA SHOPPING on Saturday at the Salvation Army Family Store until 5pm from 20th December until 10th January (inclusive) SLEEPOUTS ,CABINS, studios, holiday homes. European solid timber kit sets. 0221 600 342 www.eurowood.co.nz BELLE FIORE china, various items for sale. Plz contact 021 680 110 to view HAPPY NEW Year from Good Rotations Bicycle Shop! Our silly season hours: Tuesday to Friday 12-6pm or by appointment: 034434349.

EXTENDED SATURDAY HOURS - Salvation Army Family Store Wanaka is now closing at 5pm on Saturday’s from 20th December until 10th January (inclusive)

BIKES FOR hire and sale at your local bike shop Good Rotations, 34 Anderson, Wanaka, www. goodrotations.co, 034434349.

RENT

NOTICE LOVE-A-BUBBLE! FOR parties, events, celebrations of all kinds & all ages :) Gigantic Bubbles, Bazzilions of Bubbles, Bubble workshops… Call/text 021400857 GUITAR, PIANO and singing lessons, song writing and musicianship. Beginners welcome.

Fun and individualised lessons :) Diana 021400857 / wanakamusiccentre@gmail.com WANAKA PRIMARY School ‘Op Shop’ open Tues & Thurs - 12 midday to 4pm. Use Koru Way entrance, off Totara Terrace, alongside the steps.

For FREE listing text your advert to

PLUNKET AGM – 10am Wednesday 14th January 2014 at the Plunket Rooms on Ardmore Street. Come join to lead Plunket into 2015.

FOR RENT: One Bedroom studio unit available now. .Close to Town.suit single or Couple.For details.txt. 0212694394

SERVICES ROOF PAINTING old new colour steel all work guaranteed painting in wanaka for 35 years ph Wayne 0272240662 or 034431715 WANAKA WINDOW CLEANING professional, friendly, efficient service. Enjoy those mountain views. High, awkward windows a specialty. Paolo 021 0572505/ 4432420

WANAKA PHARMACY is your local pharmacy. We’re the big pharmacy at the top of Helwick Street - open until 7pm every single day. Ph 443 8000

WANTED TREBLE TONES is a women’s a cappella group in Wanaka. We are looking for interested, experienced Alto I and Alto IIs. Kirsty 0272005111 VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED. The Salvation Army Family Store, Wanaka requires your help.

Please enquire at our store or phone 03 443 5068

WHAT’S ON WANAKA TENNIS Junior Tournament 12U and 16U Wed Jan7 Thurs Jan8 Upton St courts Spectators welcome to support our younger players WANAKA TENNIS Junior Tournament 10U and 14U Mon Jan5 Tues Jan6 Upton St courts Spectators welcome to support our younger players WANAKA TENNIS Open Tournament Sat Jan3 Sun Jan4 Upton St courts 8.30am Spectators welcome WANAKA DUATHLON Series.

10th Jan & 7th Feb. Distances to suit 7yrs to adult. Register as an individual or a team. www.wanakaduathlon.co.nz PARTNER DANCING! Come try West Coast Swing! 1pm Saturday 10th Jan. Eely Point Scout Hall. $15 Cash only.

LALALAND LOUNGE Bar Wanaka. Open daily from 4pm – 2.30am. Upstairs, 99 Ardmore Street.

LALALAND HAPPY Hour daily from 5pm – 7pm. $5 tea cocktails from 4pm – 8pm.

02 20 786 778

20 word limit - deadline Tuesday 4pm - standard network rates apply PAGE 18

THURSDAY 01.01.15 - WEDNESDAY 07.01.15

sunclassifieds employment

employment

SPACE TO LEASE

ACCOUNTS AND OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Storage Space up to 86m2

Maternity Leave Contract – Starting February 2015 (Approx 20 hours per week).

The position involves general office administration responsibilities, accounts payable and receivable, and other duties required to provide support to the team.

The preferred candidate will have the following key skills and attributes:

Office Space 80m2 employment

• Experience in office administration and accounts positions.

to lease

Available NOW in Gordon Road For more info and viewing call 027 246 7835

• Highly computer literate with advanced skills in MS Office applications, specifically with MS Excel.

• Proficient with Quickbooks accounting software.

commercial property

• Excellent communication skills and be a team player.

• Strong organisation and time management skills with good problem solving capability.

WANAKA GUN CLUB CHRISTMAS SHOOT RESULTS: 10 target eye opener. 10, Ziggy Potoczny, Evan Johnstone, Rex Smart, Steve Fontaine [novice cup winner], Nigel Hodge, Aaron Radford, David Dickie, Troy Dickie. 15 target Barbara Anderson Trophy Handicap by distance. 15, Sam Pearce, Sean Clulow, Sharlene Nyhon, Richard Carbon, Steve Wilson, Rex Smart, Ray Anderson. Rex Smart won the Barbara Anderson Trophy after a shoot off with Steve Wilson 2nd, Sharlene Nyhon 3rd, and Sam Pearce 4th.

5 Pair double rise. 9. Jerry Cray, Ewan Bennie, 8. Ben Robertson, Sharlene Nyhon, Sean Clulow, Rex Smart. 15 continental targets. 15. Ziggy Potoczny, Steve Wilson, Nigel Hodge, Ewan Bennie, Aaron Radford, David Dickie.

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

• Professional presentation and a positive attitude.

• Eligibility to work in New Zealand.

The primary responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to: • Managing the day to day running of the office.

• Accounts Payable including invoice coding and processing.

• Accounts Receivable including customer invoicing, debtor receipting.

• General administration tasks as required.

• Assisting the sales team as required.

Please apply by sending your up-to-date CV along with a cover letter outlining your current situation and interest in this role to: nikki@pembroke.co.nz

for sale

Tarras School

trades&services DESIGN INTERIORS

0.5 fixed term teaching position for terms 1 and 2, 2015 Teaching in our junior room in a modern attractive learning environment 5 mornings per week.

Please send CV, cover letter and contact details of 3 referees to: Darryn Rae principal@tarras.school.nz Applications close 16th January 2015

sport results

advertise in the

wanakasun

colour & design

CALL 03 443 5252

employment

EDITOR Maternity Leave Contract – Starting February 2015 Approx 20 hours per week Wanaka’s local community newspaper is seeking to appoint an experienced editor to work in its busy office.

The preferred candidate will be: • a community-minded, enthusiastic, people person.

TREE SERVICES

• an efficient and organised editor.

• eligible to work in New Zealand.

• you will have an eye for typography and photography.

You will liaise with the news, sales and production teams to produce Wanaka’s longest running, weekly newspaper.

You will have the opportunity to lead a professional team covering commerce, culture, sport and community issues.

Please apply by sending your up-to-date CV along with a cover letter outlining your current situation and interest in this role to: nikki@pembroke.co.nz

THURSDAY 01.01.15 - WEDNESDAY 07.01.15

PAGE 19

sunsport

Youth training camp

Running for mental health

Staff Reporter Wanaka Sun Triathlon New Zealand’s second OtagoSouthland Regional Triathlon Camp and Regional Youth Initiative will be held at the Snow Farm on January 16 to 18 to coincide with the sprint triathlon and open water swim events being held on the same weekend.

Local coach Val Burke has been invited by Triathlon New Zealand to be the regional talent coach coordinator in Otago-Southland, with the goal of working together with the coaches already in place in Otago and Southland.

The first camp was held in Gore on December 12 to 15. The purpose of the camps is to educate and inspire triathletes aged 14 to 18 and show them a pathway to Triathlon New Zealand.

Regional Youth Academies aim to bring athletes, coaches and parents from all over New Zealand together, with the common goal of identifying talent and developing triathletes who could then graduate to the national talent squad.

Caroline Harker Wanaka Sun

PHOTO: JOHN-JO RITSON, FLASHWORKS MEDIA.

Local athlete Mal Law has set himself a remarkable challenge to raise money for the Mental Health Foundation. He plans to conquer 50 New Zealand peaks in 50 days.

He’s calling it the High Five-O Challenge and is starting in Rotorua on February 7.

Ten days later (February 17) he will be at Lake Hawea running 42km over Breast Hill and along a section of the Te Araroa Trail, and the next day he’ll run from Wanaka along the lakeside trail to Glendhu Bay and then over the Motatapu Track, with a detour to climb Knuckle Peak (1804m) along the way. He will spend the night in the Roses Hut on the track, before carrying on to Arrowtown the next day.

“I’m going to set off on one of the biggest, most audacious, endurance challenges ever conceived in New Zealand,” Mal said. “In fact, there are very few comparable feats that have ever been achieved anywhere in the world. In the space of just 50 days, in an adventure that will take in many of New

Zealand’s wildest landscapes, I plan to climb 50 peaks and run 50 off-road marathons.

There will be no rest days and very little time to recover from one gruelling day to the next. It’s big. It’s scary. But most of all, it’s massively exciting.”

Last month, as part of his training for the High Five-O, Mal ran and walked up and down Mount Iron for 24 hours straight.

He ran the equivalent of 2.5 marathons, ascending 7011 vertical metres.

“The High Five-0 Challenge is not going to be just about the physical challenge, it also has a lot to do with the mental aspect of it and the [Mount Iron] run certainly gave me a taste of what I will be facing on a daily basis [in 2015]. The pleasing thing was that I completed it and that gives me a big psychological boost ahead of [the] event.”

Mal hopes to raise $250,000 for the Mental Health Foundation. People can support him through his website, high50.

Mal grew up climbing mountains in Scotland. He has been running off-road for

PICK UP YOUR COPY OVER THE HOLIDAYS We will be printing thousands of extra papers every week over the holiday period to ensure everyone can to read the Wanaka Sun. Extra deliveries will also be made to the camping grounds and throughout town.

For advertising enquiries contact: P 03 443 5252 E marketing@thewanakasun.co.nz or advertising@thewanakasun.co.nz

PAGE 20

THURSDAY 01.01.15 - WEDNESDAY 07.01.15

20 years and took up long-distance running in New Zealand. His first big event was running seven Great Walks in seven days which he did in 2009. All his long-distance runs have been charity fundraisers.

“I’ve experienced epic highs and desperate lows during each of them, but what has always made them worthwhile is the camaraderie of the people who choose to run with me for a day or two, and the real difference we can make to the lives of people less fortunate than ourselves through the funds we raise and the positive messages that these missions send out.”

Mal said he doesn’t know if he will be able to complete the High Five-O challenge.

“I want to do it for the Mental Health Foundation – to spread positive messages about how to manage our mental wellbeing and raise a massive amount of money so the MHF can carry on with fantastic work – but I also want to do it for me, to prove that I can.

To show once again that ordinary people really can achieve extraordinary things.”