Year in Review
INSIDE THIS WEEK FARMING: PAGE 10 jobs: PAGE13 sport: Page 14
We take a look back at events in 2017.
paGE 6
Milestone reached at Queenstown Airport Visitor family receives prizes.
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Wanaka Airbnb goes global BUTLER D DANIELLE newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
A
Wanaka Airbnb host will who wish to rent a property out more form part of Airbnb’s global often than three times a year and 28 marketing campaign for the days, will need a resource consent. town. “This is a public process so we A team from Airbnb Experiences, encourage everyone who is affected a strand of Airbnb in which hosts to make a submission,” Mayor Jim offer a local or cultural element Boult said. for their guests, arrived in Wanaka “We believe the proposals reflect from Sydney last week to interview the desires of a significant portion and film host Joe Waide, who of our community. We are not incorporates Maori culture into his against Airbnb or other visitor Airbnb bookings. accommodation booking sites and “A lot of the questioning was acknowledge they play an important on how Airbnb has brought more role in providing short term beds business into the local economy for people visiting the district. But like shops, bars, cafes etc and the we need to ensure our own people integration of helping businesses in are housed and that short term the local community,” Joe said. accommodation is available in the “By staying with local residents most appropriate locations.” guests get more personalised Joe believes that Airbnb provides recommendations of where to dine, an important boost for the shop, what activities to do, etc.” local economy, particularly Wanaka’s Airbnb population has when hosts get involved in exploded in recent years, with more the experiences side and than 300 properties resulting in direct people towards local one of the highest percentages of shops, restaurants and dwellings being offered as short stay activities. accommodation in the country. “From a cultural Across the district, 14 percent of perspective it gives visitors/ homes are currently being offered manuhiri a personal connection to as short stay accommodation the people and the land due to the compared to 1.2 percent across the individual and more personal nature rest of the country and up 61 percent of hosting in a home as opposed to a from August 2016. commercial motel/hotel, etc,” Joe said. Proposed changes to rules for “The cultural side I bring is utilising residential visitor accommodation Maori protocol to enhance the are currently under public personal experience. A belief is that notification, with members of the to travel and experience different public able to make submissions on countries is not only about the visual the revised rules until February 23. experience; it’s about connecting Under the new rules, absentee with the people of that country that owners, anyone purchasing a property make the land what it is.” with the primary intention of renting Pictured: The Airbnb Experiences it as visitor accommodation or those team film Joe at the Wanaka Tree.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR READERS AND ADVERTISERS.
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Book sale assists trip
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PHOTO: Rob White
TURNBULL G GLENDA editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Wanaka Rotary (WR) is holding the Rotary Christmas & New Year Book Sale for the first time. WR president Fran Tate said the sale will be managed by 30 students from Mount Aspiring College, who plan to travel to Spain next year on a once in a lifetime trip. “Proceeds from the sale will help support the students on their trip. This will be a fantastic fundraising opportunity for the students,” Fran said. The MAC students will be accompanied by three teachers on an educational trip to Spain in September 2018.
The students hope to improve their Spanish and experience the different cultural aspects of life there. They will visit the Barcelona Festival La Merce, Monserrat, the Benedictine monastery close to Barcelona, San Sebastian, Pamplona, Sevilla, Formentera and Mallorca and two islands in the Balearic Archipelago in the Mediterranean. The students will also be billeted with Spanish families where they will immerse themselves in the Spanish culture and attend school. There will be hundreds of books to choose from at the sale to be held at the Armstrong Room, Lake Wanaka Centre December 28-30 and January 8-10, 10am–2pm each day. Book buyers are pictured at the last Rotary Book Sale.
Come on out to The Luggate Hotel for a meal and a drink in front of the roaring fires. Old Truck Cafe open 7 days a week 9am to 4pm – come try our famous Fairlie Pies
Airport welcomes two millionth passenger in a year WHITE R ROB journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz A family of four from Hamilton have become Queenstown Airport’s two millionth passengers of 2017, marking the first time the milestone has been reached in a single calendar year. The airport recently announced its capacity was set to increase by ten percent over summer and annual passenger numbers finally hit the two million mark on December 20 when the Brunton family (pictured) arrived from Auckland. The Bruntons touched down at 10:13am to a heroes’ welcome, with members of the airport community forming a guard of honour amid jubilant scenes that included balloons, party horns, streamers, music and a giant cake. Fellow passengers also joined in, clapping and cheering as Renee Brunton, husband Tony and children Brooke (six) and Ward (three) walked into the terminal building. Queenstown Airport Chief Executive Colin Keel, who was there to meet them, said the family’s arrival was a significant occasion. “Achieving two million passengers in a year is a major milestone. For us though, it’s not just about the number,
it’s about what it represents. The airport has been part of the fabric of Queenstown and the broader region since 1935 and has evolved from an airstrip to an international airport during that time. “The natural beauty of our alpine environment, combined with the innovation and hard work of our business community in creating world-class experiences, has made the region a destination of choice, supported by airlines increasing air capacity and connectivity over the years,” he said. Mayor Jim Boult also greeted the family and he congratulated the airport team and the community on its achievement. “Such a big milestone is a true reflection of Queenstown-Lakes’ continued popularity as a destination of choice for visitors and residents alike,” he said. To celebrate the occasion, the Brunton family were presented with a $500 gift card to spend on experiences around the region and a Highlands Motorsport Park package, including VIP lounge access, a Porsche fast lap and go kart rides. Pictured are the Brunton family with Air New Zealand’s Annabelle Cray.
Annual liquor ban begins GROW . CREATE . LIVE
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BUTLER D DANIELLE newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz The district’s annual liquor ban is now in force, remaining in place until Saturday, January 6. The ban, which includes Wanaka and Hawea, kicked in yesterday (Wednesday January 27).
EVERY D AY
Fines of $250 could be dished out to anyone found breaching the ban. Wanaka Police senior constable Bruce McLean said that officers would be out in force over the holiday period testing drivers for alcohol. “Keep an eye on your consumption and make sure you use the taxis or walk,” he said.
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Red Frogs provide NYE services
WHITE R ROB journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Red Frogs New Zealand (RFNZ) is set to offer help and support to local revellers as they bring in the New Year. RFNZ, an alcohol harm prevention organisation, is carrying out its largest national response to date, with more than 100 members providing services at party locations across the South Island. More than 60 of them will be operating in Wanaka and Queenstown and they will provide safe zones, hydration stations and pancakes for people out celebrating. They will also offer to walk partygoers home and hand out Red Frogs lollies as part of the organisation’s aim to safeguard people and provide a
Community concern for centre BUTLER D DANIELLE newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
these appropriately. Pictured: An example of irresponsible recycling left at Hawea’s The Hawea Community Association Domain Road facility. (HCA) is “pleading” with the wider community to start using its recycling centre wisely. The irresponsible usage of the centre was one of the main concerns brought up at the association’s monthly meeting on Tuesday December 19. HCA chairman Paul Cunningham said that new and improved signage would be installed and asked everyone to use the facility in the manner in which it was intended. Anyone seeing non-complying rubbish being dumped at the Domain Road recycling centre should take a PHOTO: supplied photo and email ewc.lhnz@gmail.com. Paul added that doggy bins were positive peer presence. RFNZ spokesperson Oliver Nelson said he was being installed at various spots along Hawea’s walking track and he delighted the organisation could help out. “We are really excited to have teams of amazing also asked the community to use PHOTO: supplied volunteers who will be doing everything from walking people home, making pancakes, handing out water and generally keeping an eye out and looking after young people in these areas. “This is a starting point for Council “Red Frogs exists with the mission of empowering ROB WHITE and it’s important that our community young people to make positive life choices and be journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz contributes to the policy as it will a voice of change within their culture. We exist to Queenstown Lakes District Council allow us to set a good foundation for safeguard a generation of young people,” he said. The volunteers will operate in Queenstown and (QLDC) is asking residents for feedback future initiatives,” she said. The draft sets goals and measurable on a new Draft Disability Policy. Wanaka from December 29-31. The policy, which QLDC hopes to actions for improving participation Volunteers are pictured working at New Year’s Eve adopt by May next year, aims to ensure and removing barriers for disabled last year. the council and the community are people living in and visiting the region. “Ultimately we want everyone to be responsive to the needs of disabled people living in and visiting the district. able to enjoy everything our district Members of the public have until has to offer, and we want to make this February to give their thoughts on as easy and inclusive as possible. This is what QLDC corporate manager the first step in an ongoing process and Michelle Morss said was an important we look forward to hearing what our community thinks,” Michelle added. step for the council. Anyone with an interest in the Draft “Around a quarter of the population in Otago and Southland are disabled Disability Policy is encouraged to in some form and with an ever-ageing leave feedback until February 9, 2018 www.qldc.govt.nz/your-council/ population, ensuring the needs of at disabled people are met by Council your-views/draft-qldc-disabilitywill become increasingly important in policy, by emailing services@qldc. govt.nz or by calling 03 441 0499. years to come.
QLDC wants input on Disability Policy R
WISHES YOU A WONDERFUL 2018
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Swim safe this summer Police, NZTA release safe driving tips
WHITE R ROB journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Otago residents and visitors can enjoy the region’s rivers, lakes and beaches with confidence this summer after the launch of the new “Can I swim here?” online tool. The new tool shows the most upto-date water quality information for 25 sites across the region and is freely available on LAWA.org.nz/ swim. It will also assist Otago Regional Council (ORC) staff when they advise residents on safe places to swim. ORC environmental resource scientist Rachel Ozanne, who is part of the local water monitoring team which has now started its weekly summerseason quality monitoring, said she was pleased to see information from samples they collect being made available to the public. “Each week we collect samples from 25 sites across the region and they are sent to an independent lab for water quality testing. “We’re interested in the E.coli result as this is a human health risk. The results are shown on Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) ‘Can I swim here?’ with
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Motorists are being advised by NZ Police and the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to drive and ride safely this Christmas by taking some important tips on-board. With the festive season in full swing, both organisations want drivers to “be here for Christmas” by planning PHOTO: Nikki Heath ahead, getting their vehicles checked and leaving time for rest breaks. unsafe for swimming E.coli levels marked red and They are also advising people to good levels marked green,” said Rachel. wear a seatbelt, be wary of fatigue and If toxic algae, a mat-forming Cyanobacteria called keep their cool whilst driving on busy Phormidium, has been tested for then this result is South Island roads. also shown. The LAWA website contains valuable information for swimmers on other swim smart things to look out for before taking a dip. This includes advice on checking if the water is clean and clear, avoiding swimming for two days after heavy rainfall and looking out for other possible hazards. Director of stakeholder engagement Sian Sutton is looking forward to using LAWA’s ‘Can I swim here’ DANIELLE BUTLER tool this summer. newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz “This tool will help families get out and enjoy the stunning rivers, lakes, and beaches our region has Plans to combine Wanaka’s two to offer. council offices are to be considered “The website covers popular sites from Lake Wanaka as Queenstown Lakes District to St Clair Beach, so I recommend people thinking of Council (QLDC) looks at Project heading out for a swim take a look,” said Sian. Connect for Queenstown. LAWA is a partnership between councils, QLDC is being asked to consider the Cawthron Institute, the Ministry for the $41.5million of indicative funding Environment and Massey University and has been for Queenstown’s Project Connect supported by the Tindall Foundation. in next year’s draft Ten Year Plan,
The advice is part of a joint campaign which will also see NZTA join the Police out on the roads to support drivers on long journeys during the holidays. Lee Wright, journey manager at NZTA, said, “In the middle and top of the South Island, the Police and Transport Agency contractors will be distributing water bottles with fatigue reminders and other items promoting the Transport Agency’s real time journey planner tool as part of the ‘plan ahead and stay safe’ summer journeys campaign.” More information on the campaign, the weather and road conditions is available at www.nzta.govt.nz.
Council looks to combine offices D
which would mean one office accommodation and a library space for the council in Queenstown. QLDC communications and engagement manager Naell CrosbyRoe said that there were also plans to look at the options for Wanaka’s Ardmore Street and Reece Crescent offices, but that there were currently no further details about what the options or timelines may look like.
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Feedback needed on new playgrounds WHITE R ROB journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Families are being offered the chance to choose rides and slides for two new playgrounds in Cromwell. The playgrounds will be built at the Big Fruit Reserve next year and Central Otago District Council (CODC) is asking families which equipment they want to see installed. Feedback gathered earlier this year showed that residents favoured a playground that catered for both preschool and older children and so two separate areas within the reserve are
now being consulted on. Three proposals for each one have now been put forward and members of the public, particularly from Cromwell, are being asked to vote for their favourite over the summer holidays via online surveys. Anyone who would like to have their say can visit www.surveymonkey. com/r/BFRjunior for the junior site and www.surveymonkey.com/r/BFRsenior for the senior area. Posters will also be displayed at the Cromwell Swim Centre and Cromwell Library for children and families to choose their favourite by way of a sticky dot poll.
Service increase for summer surge REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz More than 100,000 visitors are expected to join the district’s locals for the busy summer holiday period this year. As a result, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has ramped up its services, including traffic management, waste bin clearances and the cleaning of public toilets in an attempt to cope with the annual summer influx.
QLDC chief executive Mike Theelen said that although the surge in numbers was quite dramatic over the holiday period, the council was wellresourced to cope. “While this will definitely put pressure on our available resources, this isn’t our first rodeo. We’re asking that people be responsible, patient and make sure they plan ahead when travelling, particularly around known pinch points such as petrol stations and town centres.”
PHOTO: Nikki Heath
Delta have installed a new cell phone tower (pictured) at the edge of Sticky Forest on the buffer zone at Peninsula Bay to help with the Christmas, New Year congestion.
District’s sticky road warning BUTLER D DANIELLE newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Higher-than-average temperatures this summer have prompted a warning for motorists to beware of sticky roads. New Zealand Transport Agency’s (NZTA) transport agency journey manager Lee Wright said that road temperatures had been higher than 50°c over the past week, which meant that some roads were showing signs
of ‘bleeding seal’ or sticky surfaces. NZTA senior network manager Otago John Jarvis said that sticky highways affected by hot weather could occur almost anywhere on the network. Mr Jarvis added that drivers should reduce speeds to avoid flicking up bitumen and leave a good gap between following vehicles. Kerosene or baby oil are the best ways to remove black sticky spots from a car.
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(03) 443 5229 www.stonewood.co.nz
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Local athletes clean up at Colgate Games
January
January PHOTO: Miles Holden
Tough turbulent challenge for Wanaka winners Wanaka’s athletes defied the snow, winds and rain to battle to the top spots in January Red Bull Defiance endurance race. Plummeting temperatures as low as 2°C on Wanaka’s snow covered peaks made for some unexpected and brutally challenging conditions for the 66 teams of elite and amateur athletes competing. Local athlete and three time Coast-to-Coast champion Braden Currie and team-mate Josiah Middaugh from the USA completed the two-day event in ten hours 22 minutes and 21 seconds, earning them the men’s elite title.
PHOTO: supplied
Aspiring Athletics Club member Jack East was awarded the Nick Willis Scholarship at the 2017 Colgate Games in Invercargill in January 2017. Jack was one of only four grade 14 athletes recognised for outperforming their peers after three days of tough competition. In the grade 14 boys category, Jack won the 400m race, was placed second in the 100m race and was placed third in the 200m race. New Zealand Olympic medalist Nick Willis congratulated the young athletes, saying they were names to watch in the future.
February PHOTO: Glenda Turnbull
Lake Swim Relay raises funds
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The “Down the Lake Relay” team battled 3m waves and 75kph winds but it did not stop them from completing their challenge to swim the length of Lake Wanaka. On February 4, eight swimmers completed the 44.9km in 12 hours 54 minutes.The relay raised just over $6000 for the Darryl Fairbairn Memorial Fund to be used for youth counselling. The last relay was held ten years ago with many swimmers returning to swim the lake again.
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THE ARCHANGEL WINE LOUNGE AND CELLAR DOOR We invite you to experience our award winning wines along with delicious platters of artisan food. Relax in our wine lounge and be inspired by contemporary art or unwind on the terrace whilst enjoying the vineyard vista. Bookings are recommended www.archangelwines.co.nz WHERE: Archangel Vineyard, 68 Queensberry Terrace (off Willowbank Road), Queensberry (15mins from Wanaka) PHONE: 03 443 4347
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THE YEAR IN REVIEW X-Games rookie wins silver
2017
Record crowds at 80th A & P Show More than 45,000 people turned out for the 80th Wanaka A&P show this year smashing last year’s crowd by at least 5000. Trade exhibitor numbers were also up this year, with 492 stalls compared to last year’s 472. Cattle entries more than doubled this year with 177 entries. Horse and sheep entries were strong at 265 and 194 respectively. The show’s famous Jack Russell race attracted 60 entries on Saturday, which has been a big drawcard for the event for 18 years. The race was judged by Prime Minister Bill English, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen
March PHOTO: supplied
and broadcaster Scotty Stevenson, with the Topp Twins officiating.
Tandem for trafficking February PHOTO: Tommy Pyatt
X-Games rookie freeskier Miguel Porteous took out second place in men’s superpipe in Aspen on January 27. The 17-year-old Cardrona Park and Pipe team member was invited to the competition as an alternate and gained his spot just a few days before competition when the USA’s Kyle Smaine was sidelined by injury. Miguel (pictured) crashed on one of his first hits on run one explaining he wasn’t in the “right head-space to start with,” but he executed a technical second run, spinning both ways down the pipe and incorporating three double flips to take out the silver medal.
A tandem bike called Kindness passed through Wanaka in March cycled by one man who has a mission to help victims of human trafficking. Naresh Kumar cycled the entire length of the country in 35 days to raise money for Tearfund NZ and its #StandWithHer campaign. The athlete’s support for the cause comes from an incident in Nepal in which he was approached by a man offering to sell him sex with young girls. Around 140 people across the country joined Naresh on his tandem bike for sections of the journey and he raised over $42000 along the way.
March PHOTO: supplied
The Luggate community are invited to attend the
salmond architecture
AGM OF THE LUGGATE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION 11am on Saturday 13 January 2018 at the Luggate Fire Station The election of committee and officers will take place at the AGM.
salmond architecture 21 gordon road, unit M PO box 470 wanaka, new zealand telephone 03 4434546
February
mobile 027 4474055 PHOTO: Glenda Turnbull
Sticky forest may be rezoned
info@salmondarchitecture.co.nz www.salmondarchitecture.co.nz
Wanaka showed its overwhelming support for Sticky Forest when around 400 people packed the Lake Wanaka Centre on Tuesday February 14. Mike Beresford made a submission to have the land rezoned from rural general to low density residential. The submission went under the radar as there were 200-300 changes submitted under the District Plan review and this request was only one of them.
YOUR AD WILL REACH THE MOST LOCALS ONLINE IN
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Anyone wanting to review a copy of the proposed Rule changes prior to the AGM can request a copy by contacting the secretary, Rebecca Karamaena on 021 181 5034.
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In order to enable the Assocation to register as a charity there will be a vote on amendments to the purpose and winding up provisions of the Rules.
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Seeking solutions to camping mess Footage filmed by a Makarora Tourist Centre staff member of dirty toilet paper strewn around a campground threw the region’s irresponsible freedom camping problem back into the spotlight. Peter Hartley filmed the video, showing the extent of mess left behind by freedom campers, last week at Makarora’s Boundary Creek campground and decided to share it in the hope of coming up with an ultimate solution.
April PHOTO: Gilbert van Reenen www.cleangreen.co.nz
ANZAC Day flight for NASA balloon NASA successfully launched its football-stadium-sized, heavy-lift super pressure balloon (SPB) on Tuesday, April 25, on the eighth launch attempt, recognising the ANZAC Day launch by placing a poppy on the payload. The balloon travelled up the east of the South Island overnight and on Wednesday was making its way up the east coast of the North Island. The mission is designed to run 100 or more days floating at 33.5km about the globe in the southern hemisphere’s mid-latitude band.
April
ALREC plans progress Work on Councillor Maggie Lawton’s plans for an Alpine Lakes Research and Education Centre (ALREC) in Wanaka is continuing to progress in her memory. The late Otago Regional Council councillor revealed plans for the development of the centre in September 2016, which aims to support the management and safeguarding of the South Island’s alpine lakes and their watersheds as well as providing an education and outreach facility for the community and school groups. Councillor Lawton’s daughter, member of the ALREC steering group Ella Lawton said that the centre was really championed by her mother and was an amazing project to be involved in.
PHOTO: Richie Johnston
Wanaka rescuers recognised at NZSAR awards
April PHOTO: supplied
May Lockbox provides brand new 20ft storage containers for rental on a monthly basis. Lockbox Self Storage offers: • Brand new 20ft Storage Containers • Storage for both residential and commercial uses • On either short or long terms rent • Outside car, boat, trailer storage options • Seven-day access to the storage facility • Electronically controlled and monitored gate access • Free trailer hire for new customers 50 Anderson Road, Wanaka P: 03 443 2102 or 0800 367 372 W: www.activefurnishers.co.nz E: wanaka@activefurnishers.co.nz
PHOTO: supplied
The 2016 New Zealand Search and Rescue Council Awards for 2016 were presented in Wellington on May 10, with two awards featuring Wanaka rescue organisations. Wanaka Alpine Cliff Rescue, Aspiring Helicopters and Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust received a Certificate of Achievement for the rescue of two climbers from Mount Aspiring on December 21. Aspiring Helicopters and the Wanaka Alpine Cliff Rescue (ACR) team were deployed to locate the beacon and establish the situation. The helicopter quickly located two badly injured climbers who had fallen approximately 800m, sustaining multiple broken bones and lacerations. Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust deployed to assist with an advanced paramedic on board. The ACR team stabilised the scene and both Aspiring Helicopters and Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust evacuated the two injured climbers. Wanaka LandSAR coordinator Aaron Nicholson said that the ACR team trains hard and responds to calls for help from trampers, climbers or beacon activations
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THE YEAR IN REVIEW
2017
Young directors at film fest
June PHOTO: Chris Warburton
Two of Wanaka’s youngest movie makers have had their films selected for the New Zealand Mountain Film Festival. NZ Mountain Film Festival’s Jo Lynch said they were pleased to see so many local adventure films being entered into the festival each year, with six of this year’s 78 coming from Wanaka-based filmmakers. Ten-year-old Nat Warburton, pictured, was selected for his project More Adventure Less Talk. Nat’s father Chris Warburton said that he has been inspired by previous film festivals and his sense of adventure. “He is an adventurous kid; he’s always down the Hawea river wave, canyoning, biking and rock climbing. Our summer rock climbing tour of the South Island features in the film,” Chris said. Nat filmed his movie with his GoPro Hero 5 and said that it was “quite exciting” to be selected for the festival. “It was unexpected. My goal was just to get it finished and entered into the festival and I never expected to get in,” Nat said.
Matariki lights up lakefront
May
Phoebe Young won the U19 National Time Trial championship on debut at the Age Group Road Cycling National Championships held at Cambridge in May. Phoebe has been training with the Mike Greer Homes Women’s Cycling Team in her quest to improve her mountain biking through road cycling. “Words could not describe how much receiving the U19 National Time Trial Champion title meant. It gave me a lot of pride to receive the silver fern but it also signalled another step closer to my goal to one day wear the rainbow stripes (World Championship title). The Time Trial consisted of pure suffering, but I was aware going in that I was going to have to grit my teeth and battle through the physical and mental pain,” Phoebe said. “I would like to thank my coaches, ESP-Endurance Sports Performance, Patrick and Tammy Harvey and my parents. It is very cliche, but I literally couldn’t have done it without them.”
Kahu Youth lit up the lakefront for the seventh year running on Saturday evening (June 24) with its annual Matariki celebrations. Fireworks, bonfires, fire shows and the usual community hangi warmed the crowds who gathered at the dinosaur park on a chilly but clear winter’s day. “Even the weather was great this year, which is usually the most unpredictable part of the day,” said Kahu Youth youth worker Richard Elvey. “The word ‘awesome’ gets used far too often around here but it really was an awesome day. Everyone seemed to be happy and there was such a good vibe.” Richard said that the demand for the community hangi was greater this year, with an extra 240 portions going into the pit.
Lake Snow funding under microscope
MACStock rocks out
Pressure is mounting on local bodies to do more to tackle invasive weeds and algae in Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, as reasons for previous lack of funding begin to emerge. University of Otago Research Fellow and freshwater scientist Dr Marc Schallenberg, who has been vocal on the issue of lake snow in the region’s lakes for some time, identified the need for more information on lake snow and the algae species Lindavia Intermedia responsible for creating it at a public meeting earlier this year in Wanaka. “Changes are happening in these lakes and more and more robust information on the lakes is needed. It’s a complex problem and we need high quality monitoring data to allow sensitive changes to be detected,” Dr Schallenberg said.
Mosh-pits and music filled the Lake Wanaka Centre last Friday night (June 16) as up-andcoming Mount Aspiring College musicians treated their fellow students to the annual MACStock concert.
PHOTO: Barking Cat
Phoebe wins national title
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The evening included performances from Stratosfear, Ceiling and drummer Tyler Bailey. Pictured: Stratosfear band members Kahu Nepia, Luca Harrington, James Watt, Olly Thomas and Elliot Frost take the stage.
PHOTO: Andrew Sloan Photography
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Fish & Game tips on trout
A monthly column by Kim Reilly, Federated Farmers South Island regional policy manager, on issues affecting the Upper Clutha’s rural community…
The heat is on Reilly K Kim Regional Policy Manager, South Island Over the past month, New Zealand has been basking in hotter than usual temperatures. For most of us, endless days of clear blue skies are pure bliss. More time swimming and outdoors, more barbecues and picnics, and at worst, a bit of a reminder to turn the sprinkler on the gardens and lawns. It looks likely that this hotter than usual summer is set to continue. For many farmers across New Zealand, this will mean watching the toll a drought can take on the land and animals. Many river flows are already low, water restrictions, whether voluntary or enforced, are starting to kick in and the happy memories of a wetter than normal spring are starting to fade. Tinder dry vegetation also means an increased fire risk, with much of Otago under a total fire ban. So we urge everyone to take extreme care, particularly when using machinery and mowers. A small spark off a mower has the capacity to result in a substantial fire. Common-sense should be used when dealing with fire or ash of any type, and this includes cigarette butts. From a policy and planning perspective, there is no shortage of regulation coming out of central and local government. Some of this stuff is good, some of it frustrating but necessary and some of it
just bureaucratic nonsense. Given the change in government and an indication that much more national direction will be pushed down to local councils, Federated Farmers policy teams and elected farming representatives will be kept busy throughout 2018. In Otago, the local planning focus will remain on water quality, water quantity and biodiversity issues. As with 2017, biosecurity will continue to be one of farming’s’ main concerns, particularly as more cases of Mycoplasma bovis are confirmed. Federated Farmers is urging farmers to take control of their on-farm biosecurity and to get on top of their National Animal Identification and Tracing Scheme (NAIT) obligations. NAIT noncompliance will be a significant impediment to getting on top of any fast moving animal-disease. All that said, regardless of the weather, or changing government or community expectations, we are confident with the direction of New Zealand farming. New Zealand farmers are adaptable and innovative, and take their roles as caretakers of their land and animals seriously. As we head into the holiday season, we should cast aside the doom and gloom we hear in the media each day and focus on the positives of living in Otago. Have a great break, enjoy family time and put your feet up when you can. You deserve it.
Pictured is a thriving Australian-style helpyourself-library like the one that inspired Ruth Arnison to bring a Lilliput Library to New Zealand. Earlier this month, Lynda Hodge opened the first one in our area. Anyone wandering past can borrow a book with no pressure to return it and Lynda is hoping as many people as possible visit hers at 43 Hardie Place, Albert Town.
PHOTO: Jane Coulson
MT BROWN HALF BRED RAMS-WANAKA
PHOTO: supplied
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Fish & Game has launched an initiative to educate anglers on how to properly look after trout once they have caught them. New videos and brochures on its website have been produced to inform anglers on the best way to handle trout. Fish & Game communications manager Don Rood said proper handling of trout is a good way to ensure it is fit for the table and for anglers to “play their part” in sustaining fish stocks. How trout are handled is critical if the fish is to thrive after released. “We want anglers to look after the trout they catch while they decide to keep them for dinner or release the prime breeding stock. “It doesn’t matter if you are selectively harvesting one for a feed or releasing good fish so they can breed, you want them to be in the best possible condition. We’re not of course urging anglers to release every trout, but encouraging them to look after
them all,” Don said. Fish & Game advise practices to avoid are fighting a trout for too long, using gear that is too light, dragging trout onto the rocks or boat deck and not taking enough care removing hooks. They advise if you decide to keep them for the table, then make the decision and kill them quickly and humanely. “Trout are a great source of wild food and for many anglers, hunting and gathering for their families is a key part of the fishing experience,” he said. “Looking after the fish we catch is not only better for the health of our trout populations and the future of the fishery, but also your reputation as a provider of good quality food for family and friends.” For advice on handling and netting fish, have a look at the Fish & Game website: https://fishandgame.org. nz/freshwater-fishing-in-newzealand/getting-started/lookingafter-your-trout/ There’s also a ‘looking after your trout’ instructional video on Fish & Game’s Youtube pages: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=yf4Hn5EydRI.
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PHOTO: Glenda turnbull
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Inspired to help those in need around them, the Aspiring Quilters (AQ) have been diligently making quilts for Plunket babies for nearly 40 years. Four years ago they also took up the challenge to make quilts for the Cancer Society when they found out Wanaka cancer patients were receiving quilts from Queenstown. AQ president Debra Wilkins said this year the group had made around 60 quilts, 40 for Plunket and around 20 for the Cancer Society. “We drop in 12 quilts at a time to Plunket and the Cancer Society collects 15 quilts at a time. Many of us are over 65 and it keeps us busy. We all wanted to
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do something for the community,” she said. Each year the president puts up a challenge for the members. This year, they had to make a 12.5 inch block, with each using one common fabric. The blocks have been made up into three quilts to be given to male cancer patients. The group is now applying for funding to buy backing material to enable the group to continue their work. The group of 25 meet twice a month and each member makes at least one quilt every year. Debra said they are always looking for new members. Anyone who is interested in joining the group can contact her at debra@wilkins.co.nz Pictured are two of the quilts with a hand-stitched label attached.
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Wanaka Salvation Army Family Store. Opening Hours – Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, Saturday 9.30am – 4pm. We look forward to seeing you here! Donations kindly received. Please drop them into the Salvation Army Family store or ph 443 5068 to book a pick up. Business Networking International. The Wanaka chapter of BNI meets weekly at 7am Tuesday morning. Great networking opportunity to grow your business. Contact Vicki Donoghue for information 027 2089462.
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Double Glazing Thought about upgrading your original windows to double glazing? • A warmer home in Winter, cooler in Summer. • Reduction in condensation. • External noise reduction. • Significantly reduces heat loss. For an obligation free quote call Kris today 022 135 6997 Email: kris@doubleglazeit.co.nz www.doubleglazeit.co.nz
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Wanted by the Salvation Army Family Store, if any one has any spare pillow cases we would love them, please just drop them into the store, thanks. The Salvation Army Family store would like used glass spice jars with lids, to donate these please just pop them into the store in Brownston Street. Volunteers required at The Salvation Army Family store if you have some free time and would like to be part of a team which makes a difference, come and see us.
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Rags, rags, rags ... little ones, big ones, cotton Wanaka Pharmacy is your local pharmacy. ones and drop cloths, available from the Wanaka We’re the big pharmacy at the top of Helwick Salvation Army Family Store 443 5068. Street - open from 8am until 8pm every single day. Ph 443 8000.
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SUN TEAM WANAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER
ISSUE 850 Free delivery to Wanaka, Cromwell and surrounds, PO boxes in Makarora, Cromwell, Haast, Wanaka, Albert Town and Hawea. Also distributed to businesses in the Wanaka business district Average circulation: 15,000 weekly. Phone: 03 443 5252 • Fax: 03 443 5250 Editor: Glenda Turnbull • editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Journalists: Danielle Butler • newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz Rob White • journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Social Media: Nikki Heath • hello@thewanakasun.co.nz Advertising: Jill Geary • 021 786 740 adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz Admin:
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Queenstown Lakes District Council will host the annual band performances and fireworks at Wanaka Waterfront on 31st December 2017. Performances will be from 2000 to 0100. For any information see www.qldc.govt.nz/events or contact Craig Gallagher on 021 041 0812. Wanaka Tennis Tournaments January 2018 Stonewood Homes Open Singles & Doubles Tues Jan 2nd–Thur Jan 4th Craigs Investment Partners Junior Open 10&U and 14&U Fri 5th-Sat 6th Jan 12&U and 16&U Sun 7th-Mon 8th Jan Quartz Reef Wines Senior 35+ Men’s & Women’s Doubles Wed 10th Jan, Mixed Doubles Thurs 11th Jan Food and refreshments available throughout. Prize-giving at the end of each Tournament. Entry fees: Open Singles $30, Doubles $15, Junior Singles $25, Doubles $15 & Senior 35+ Open $25 per player per event Entry Forms: Available at clubrooms or www.wanaka-tennis.net.nz Entries Close: Open 27th Dec 2017, Junior’s 27th Dec 2017, Senior 35+ 6th Jan 2018 Enquiries: Open and Junior Open: Perry Crockett 021 294 2677 Senior Vets 35+ John Lyness 03 443 7500 or 021 260 0491 Generously Sponsored by: Stonewood Homes, Head, Quartz Reef Wines, Craigs Investment Partners, New World, Wanaka Beerworks, Mediterranean Market, Central Lakes Physiotherapy, Westpac.
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WOULDN’T IT BE GREAT TO WAKE UP HERE EVERY DAY? We are seeking Graduate/Technician and Licensed Cadastral Surveyors to join our thriving Wanaka head office. What work will you do? Everything from topographical and Land Transfer surveying, set-outs and resource management planning, to civil design and project management. “Bored” is not a word in our dictionary. What do we offer? A home base in New Zealand’s beautiful adventure playground, highly competitive pay rates and a multi-disciplinary team of experienced and friendly professionals. What are we looking for? Familiarity with 12d, AutoCAD and Landonline, strong skills in the field with GPS and Total Station, a keen attitude and excellent attention to detail. You must have New Zealand residency or a valid New Zealand work visa. Interested? Call Vergne Wilson on 027 307 7824 or send your CV and cover letter to contact@southernland.co.nz or PO Box 713, Wanaka 9343.
SUMMER OPENING HOURS: Weekdays: 9am-8pm Weekends: 9am-5pm 22 Dec-7 Jan: 10am-5pm Closed New Year’s Day
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N O T I C E B O A R D Meeting Schedule for January 2018 Public Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 46 of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 that meetings of the Council will be held as under, during the month of January 2018. Resource Consent Hearing (Bunnings Ltd (RM170347)) – Crowne Plaza Hotel (Level 3), Beach Street, Queenstown. Tuesday 16 January 2018 at 9.30am. Resource Consent Hearing (Gibbston Vines LTD (RM170201)) – Rydges Hotel (Level 3), Lake Esplanade, Queenstown. Monday 22 January 2018 at 10.30am. Meeting dates, times and venues are subject to change. All of the above meetings are open to the public. Some meetings may have items of business that will be discussed with the public excluded, as set out by the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987. Mike Theelen Chief Executive
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Private Bag 50072 | 10 Gorge Road Queenstown Phone 03 441 0499 | www.qldc.govt.nz
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PHOTO: Cardrona Alpine Resort
Mountain bikers set for downhill battle
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Budding mountain bikers will once again get the chance to test their skills and compete for prizes at the fourth annual Mega Avalanche race in Wanaka next month. The event, hosted at Cardrona Alpine Resort, sees intermediate and experienced bikers race 1300 metres downhill to the valley below, with $1500 in cash and $10,000 of spot prizes awaiting the winners. There will be three categories for racers on the day, including “Hares”, a straight dash to the bottom, “Turtles”, which will see contestants collecting gold nuggets during their descent, and Juniors. The course record time for the 8km event currently stands at 16 minutes
and Cardrona’s Gold X events manager Graham Dunbar said entrants could expect an exciting day. “Our Cardrona Mega Avalanche still retains the thrill of the mass start and brake-burning verticals and is a super fun race for all ages and strong to intermediate abilities. “Riders race from the harsh rocky alpine summer trails, through the formed flowing bike parks trails and down into the farm tracks and rolling single track to finish at the historic Cardrona Hotel.” The Cardrona Mega Avalanche starts at 3pm on January 14, 2018. Entry is $40 and can be completed online at Cardrona.com or on the day before 1:30pm. Discounted lift passes will be available to all entrants. Riders are pictured at the top of the trails at Cardrona.
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Wanaka sailor Ben Acland and team PSP Logistics have taken the lead in race five of the international Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. The team, which started off in third place are currently making their way from Fremantle to Hobart in the Sydney to Hobart Race, where they are expected to arrive on January 5.
Phone: 03 443 8000 Top of Helwick Street, Wanaka opening hours: 8am To 8Pm 7 DaYS PAGE 14
WHITE R ROB journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
sports results Wanaka Progressive Bowls December 22. Skips 1 J Young 2 A Moore 3 T Tovey Thirds 1 N Young 2 J Rich Leads 1 T Tattersfield = B Thorburn 2 B Kane 3 F Beardsley.
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Warbirds scholarship winner pilots WWII fighter WHITE R ROB journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: supplied
The winner of a Warbirds Over Wanaka Flying Scholarship has taken to the skies in a classic World War II fighter plane. Michael Williams (pictured), who was one of two pilots selected for the $5000 scholarship late last year, took off in a P-40 Kittyhawke after using his funding to get training in the North Island city of Ardmore. Michael said that it had been an amazing experience as he described his thoughts at the time. “Engaging the starter for the first time surprised me with what felt like a truck crashing into the front of the aircraft. Then a short whine of the starter before an explosion of noise, vibration, smoke, fumes and heat. Just wow! “After shut-down, sitting there in the Auckland summer heat, with the smell of hot metal and oil, the whirring sound of the instruments winding down and hot exhausts tinkling, trying to believe that what had just happened had actually happened,” he said. Michael beat 30 other hopefuls to get the scholarship and his instructor Frank Parker (also pictured), who is also association president of
the New Zealand Warbirds Association, said the programme was good for pilots and airshows alike. “Giving a helping hand to talented and passionate pilots like Michael can only be good for the future of the Warbirds movement and Warbirds airshows in New Zealand. Michael can now say he’s been checked out in the P-40,” he said. Both Frank and Michael will be performing at next Easter’s 30th Anniversary Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow, which runs from March 30 to April 1. Applications for the 2018 scholarship programme are expected to open midway through next year.
HUGE range of ECO Friendly Products • Cleaning Products • Natural Remedies • Body Care Products • Gift Lines Lots of sustainable and NZ gift options! Upstairs above SoUlfood organic 74 ardmore St. Wanaka 03 443 7885
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Hall claims World Cup silver WHITE R ROB journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Wanaka’s Adam Hall has taken second place and the silver medal at the World Para Alpine Skiing World Cup Slalom in Kuhtai, Austria. Despite having little opportunity to train prior to the event due to bad weather, para-skier Adam put down two solid runs on December 21 and was delighted to finish on the podium. “After two weeks of not being able to race, it was good to finally get a solid Slalom race in my pocket and finish with a pretty decent result. We have worked really hard over the last Kiwi season, both off-snow and on-snow, so it’s satisfying to see this progress into positive results. “It’s been good to put our feelers out and see where I stand early season.” Adam is one of four New Zealand para athletes selected to compete at the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea and will compete alongside fellow Wanaka resident and para-snowboarder Carl Murphy. The Games take place from March 9-18.
PHOTO: supplied
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PHOTO: Michael Knaus
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