Cherry Festival in Cromwell
INSIDE THIS WEEK CAMERA CLUB : PAGE 10 jobs: PAGE13 sport: Page 14
Cherry spitting champion crowned.
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Rodeo a scorcher Fans have fun at Wanaka Rodeo.
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Thur 04.01.18 - wed 10.01.18
DELIVERED AND FREE
EDITION 851
Queen’s Medal for dedicated Luggate local BUTLER D DANIELLE newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
A
Luggate volunteer who has dedicated himself to the community for more than 40 years has been awarded the Queen’s Service Medal in the 2018 New Year Honours List. Luggate Volunteer Fire Brigade’s chief fire officer Rod Anderson, who has been with the brigade since 1972 and chief fire officer since 1985, was given the award for his services to Fire and Emergency and the community. “I never expected anything like this. It’s a bit strange really and a bit of a mixture of being proud and humbled,” said Rod (pictured). Rod grew up in Mount Barker and moved to Luggate in 1972, when he immediately got stuck in with the volunteer fire brigade. “You just do what you enjoy doing and I enjoy helping my community. I just try to do my bit for the village and help out where I can,” he said. The Luggate local also holds the title of civil defence coordinator, responsible for liaising with the Queenstown Lakes District’s emergency management officer and supervising Luggate’s civil defence volunteer team. He has been made life member of both the Albion Cricket Club and Wanaka Rodeo Club, having made significant contributions as a member of both since 1983 and 1964
respectively. On top of all this, Rod currently sits as deputy chairman on the Luggate Community Association, having served on the association for many years. Association chairman Graeme Perkins said that everybody in the community was really thrilled and proud that Rod had won the medal. “It is a thoroughly well-deserved award. Rod is totally committed to the community and that has particularly come out in his service with the fire brigade, but also as deputy chair of the Community Association. He also does so much behind-the-scenes work in Luggate, very quietly contributing with local working bees and all sorts of things,” Graeme said. “This recognition doesn’t just go to him, but to his family who have allowed him to do everything that he’s done. His wife Cec has been very supportive and she equally deserves recognition. There’s always a good woman behind the scenes and this is certainly no exception.” Rod said that he was also proud of his family and wife. “The family has had to give up a lot when I have been away atvv different things and Cec has had to do a lot when I’ve been away. I’m really proud of them,” he said. “I’ll always be around as long as I can be and as long as I’m needed.”
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welcome Hawea Picnic Races Thousands in New Year at festivals a big hit WHITE R ROB journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz A record crowd of more than 2000 gathered in Hawea last week for the town’s annual Picnic Races. Eight races made up the card and the action got underway at 12:30pm on Thursday December 28. Those wanting to have a flutter could buy $2 tickets in an equalisator system, with each buyer randomly allocated a horse for the race and the winners sharing the spoils. The event has been going for more than 70 years and committee chairman Paul Cunningham said it had been a record-breaking year.
“It was brilliant. The weather was good, gate takings were up, event takings were up. It was one of those days where everyone decided to turn up. Maybe they were a bit sick of the lake and wanted something different,” he said. Once a popular tradition, the Hawea event is now one of only two picnic racing days in New Zealand and the only one on the South Island. Paul said that the committee wanted to keep it running for many years to come. “We are very proud our little meeting is still going. It started after World War Two we think. It’s a goal of ours to keep ours going as long as we can.” Profits from the day are still being counted and will be donated to good causes in and around Hawea.
Paraglider death on Mt Roy REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Emergency services were alerted to the crash shortly before 3pm on Tuesday. A rescue helicopter was able to access the Police have released the name of the man who crash site at around 5pm and found the died on Mount Roy while paragliding on Tuesday paraglider deceased. Police said that they offered their sympathies January 2. He was 54-year-old David Michael Jongsma to Mr Jongsma’s family at this difficult time. The death has been referred to the Coroner. from Hawea Flat.
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WHITE R ROB journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Two festivals celebrated recordbreaking numbers over the New Year as more than 10,000 revellers gathered to see in 2018. The three-day Rhythm and Alps festival smashed previous attendance records to welcome the biggest crowd in its history, with 5500 campers and 4500 day-pass holders flocking to Cardrona’s Robrosa Station between December 29 and 31. International music stars Tash Sultana, Little Dragon and Cigarettes After Sex joined Kiwi favourites Fat Freddy’s Drop and Lord Echo to entertain the crowds as more than 50 acts performed across four stages. Festival director Alex Turnbull said he was delighted the three-day event had gone to plan. “It’s been an incredible few days of epic live music and good times. The
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crowds have been fantastic and the vibe throughout the entire event has been really relaxed. “It was great to see everyone getting out and enjoying themselves.” Across in Hawea, the Top Paddock Music Festival saw its attendance boosted to 1000 people in just its second year. Local star Jody Direen and Australia’s The Voice winner Judah Kelly were among 11 acts that put on more than eight hours of live music for the crowds. Lake Hawea Hotel owner Anthony Alderson said, “It clearly was a success. Most that came had a great time, the feedback has been very good. We look forward to growing it more next year.” In addition to the boost in numbers, both festivals reported no major incidents or arrests. Pictured: The three-day Rhythm and Alps festival brought the New Year in with fireworks and music.
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THURSDAY 04.01.18 - WEDNESDAY 10.01.18
THE WANAKA SUN
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Sun News
Toomey appointed Winter Games NZ CEO WHITE R ROB journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Marty Toomey has been appointed as the new CEO of Winter Games NZ. He will take up the new post in March ahead of a busy year for the 17-day event, which has now become an annual event for the first time in its history. Sir Eion Edgar, Chair of Winter Games NZ, said, “Marty will be an ideal replacement for Arthur. He knows and understands high performance sport, snow-based competition and the requirements to deliver a successful event. With the Winter Games set to become an annual event on the international winter sports calendar and Arthur’s decision to step aside from the full time CEO role, Marty’s experience will enable us to continue to build on the successes achieved to date.” Marty, whose CV includes a decade at Sport NZ and seven years as the All Blacks’ fitness trainer, has spent the past six years as CEO of Snow Sports NZ. The organisation’s chair David Wallace said it was sad to see him go. “The Snow Sports Board congratulates Martin on his new appointment and thanks him for his leadership of the National Sporting organisation over the last six years. “Highlights of Martin’s tenure are the integration of the Winter Performance Programme into Snow Sports NZ, the development of a national training
PHOTO: Supplied
centre in Wanaka, the establishment of official supplier relationships with Cardrona Alpine Resort, Coronet Peak, Mount Hutt and Treble Cone and the growing international competitiveness of New Zealand snow sports athletes.” Marty will take over from outgoing CEO Arthur Klap, who announced his departure in September. His appointment comes after a successful year for the games, which attracted 846 athletes from 42 countries in 2017.
PHOTO: Glenda Turnbull
Trip down memory lane TURNBULL G GLENDA editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: Nikki Heath
Five fire appliances and two helicopters with monsoon buckets battled a large fire on the Wanaka-Mt Aspiring Road on the hillside across from Rippon Vineyard, Wanaka yesterday afternoon (pictured). The fire was burning out of control in the strong winds and at the time of going to print on Wednesday January 3 the fire covered an area over one kilometre long. Far Horizons resident Steve Lamb said yesterday afternoon that he had been watching the fire. “There was a mob of cattle boxed in a corner of two fences high on the hill. We notified Mike Scurr where they were and could be potentially at risk if the wind changes and comes back down the hill. The wind is pushing the fire along at a great rate of knots. “As the fire established itself, the noise was very noticeable, like a roar. And for a while it was burning low down near a built up area. Then it was as though it created its own wind and a spark blew at least two hundred metres up the hill to form a second front which quickly established in a stand of native Manuka. The cattle became quite distressed as thick smoke and flames close in on them. Someone needed to climb the hill and cut the fence, but authorities said it was too dangerous.” Lauren Young from Wanaka Kiwi Holiday Parks and Motels said they evacuated the park as a safety precaution. “We wanted to keep everyone safe. The wind can change quite quickly.” Police are requesting residents to avoid travelling near the fire until further notice.
THE WANAKA SUN
Two of Robert McDougall’s granddaughters enjoyed a ride on Cardrona’s Chondola on Tuesday January 2. Sisters Catherine Little and Margaret Little (pictured) rode the chondola to the top of Mt Cardrona to take in the view. Their family have a long history with Cardrona. Their grandfather Robert McDougall ran the store and post office next to the Cardrona pub and his son Jack McDougall farmed the station where Cardrona is now. Grandfather Little also farmed in the valley. The sisters lived for a time in the valley with their family and their mother climbed
THURSDAY 04.01.18 - WEDNESDAY 10.01.18
Mt Cardrona in 1917. Catherine said they really enjoyed going to the top of the lift. “The views were amazing and the staff were very accommodating. We had a very good time,” Catherine said. Cardrona is now open for mountain biking, carting and walking, with the season ending on April 2. Cardrona people and performance manager Laura Hedley said the carts and biking had been very popular and bookings were essential for both in the next couple of weeks. “It’s cool to see our summer operations being so popular. We have cart tracks down McDougalls and in Captains Basin, with bikes available for hire on the hill in Wanaka and Queenstown. The weather has just been amazing,” Laura said.
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THURSDAY 04.01.18 - WEDNESDAY 10.01.18
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Sun News
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DOG COLUMN Dogs New Year Resolutions
L LEONE WARD
Canine behaviourist
Well it is the start of another new year and with it comes, all the usual resolutions and new beginnings. It is your responsibility to understand your dog and to learn about canine behaviour and how to train your dog in the most effective and positive manner. Remember you are the one with the bigger brain so don’t blame your dog for inappropriate behaviour, instead look at your own training and ask “what am I doing wrong in training my dog”. If you do this you will seek out and find a way to overcome almost any issue. Make this new year your year to spend time being with and enjoying your dog. Otherwise why did you get a dog, if not to enjoy their company? They have many life lessons to teach us, as your dog would say “live in the moment, take long naps, judge less and love unconditionally,” and maybe this year, resolve to be the
The right choice for
person your dog thinks you are. ears, under front legs and around their bottom. This is especially important It has been a hot summer so please for long haired dogs. remember these seasonal basics: My dog has made some New Year • Have plenty of fresh clean water for your dog and make sure it is not sitting resolutions I thought I would share with you: 1. Eat more stuff that makes me feel good in the sun all day • Do not walk your dog in the heat of 2. Settle the score with the neighbourhood rabbits the day they can easily get overheated 3. Give up pretending I am afraid of the • Dogs do not easily cool themselves so vacuum cleaner if your dog is overheated and stressed 4. Smell everything in far more detail it is a medical emergency • Check the heat of the pavements - if it 5. Stop barking at people going past….. or maybe not is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for 6. Devote more time to quality sleeping your dog’s feet …. I could try the sofa • NEVER leave your dog in the car in 7. Swim more and continue shaking summer over strangers in bikinis • Check waterways to make sure there is not Toxic Algae where you are taking 8. Remember to bring the ball back EVERY time your dog 9. Make ‘downward dog” a daily routine • Watch out for “duck Itch” affecting 10. Send good vibes out to the universe your dog in the lakes For information or canine behaviour • Check your dog daily for barley grass, especially between the toe pads, in the advice contact leone@dogszone.co.nz
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Call: 443 0725 www.aspiringmedical.co.nz 23 Cardrona Valley Road, Wanaka
Stolen car search ongoing BUTLER D DANIELLE newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz Wanaka Police are still on the hunt for a car reported stolen over the weekend. The red Toyota Camry, potentially bearing a Domino’s Pizza sign, was
taken from Little Street between 9.30pm and 11pm on Saturday December 30. Police are appealing for sightings of the car, pictured, which remained undiscovered as the Wanaka Sun went to print on Wednesday January 3. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 03 443 7272.
Enjoy a holiday lifestyle all year round
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Why not retire to Aspiring Lifestyle Retirement Village in Wanaka and enjoy the easy, secure and relaxed lifestyle of our architecturally designed apartments? Construction of the first Aspiring Apartments is underway, with architecturally designed one, two and three bedroom apartments ready for occupation in mid2018. Stage Two is soon-to-be-released, and the early birds will secure the best apartments.
Contact us to express your interest in an Aspiring Village retirement lifestyle Visit any day between 11am and 3pm at 14 Golf Course Road (closed Christmas and Boxing Day). *Villas sold under Occupation Right Agreement. Ask our sales manager for details.
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www.aspiringvillage.co.nz THE WANAKA SUN
THURSDAY 04.01.18 - WEDNESDAY 10.01.18
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2017 THE YEAR IN REVIEW Sun News
thewanakasun.co.nz
Huge year for SUP world number one
Local conservationist wins rare award John Darby was awarded the Royal Society of New Zealand Companionship Award in July for his work promoting science and technology in the community. Only three are given out across the country each year. John, who Sun readers will recognise as the author of the ‘Grebe Diary’, received the award for his work involving children in science Nominations for the award open late in the year and close on March 31 the following year.
July PHOTO: supplied
Dancers hit Hollywood A group of Wanaka dancers took Los Angeles by storm with performances on Hollywood Boulevard and on stage at Disneyland in July. Dance Out Loud students 16-year-old Laura Erichsen and Sonya Palmer, 14-year-old Thea Erichsen, 17-year-old Ella Maluschnig and 12-year-old Maya Erichsen attended a 13 day choreography workshops with professional dancers in LA. The girls joined 40 dancers from the Dean McKerras School of Dance in Palmerston North and Dance Out Loud director, teacher and choreographer Rachel Erichsen said the girls enjoyed being part of the extended dance group.
July PHOTO: supplied
Wanaka’s world number one in stand-up paddling (SUP) Annabel Anderson had a year of success in 2017. The first and only female to win a world cup in the sport, Annabel won her seventh consecutive New Zealand national SUP title and fifth consecutive Carolina Cup title earlier in the year, topped off with a win in her maiden appearance at the Olukai Ho’olaule’a event in Maui. Add to this an overall win at the Devil’s Isle Challenge in Bermuda, where Annabel beat the first male in the competition by over 15 minutes, and another overall win at the Ghost Ryder Downwinder in Santa Cruz. Annabel finished runner-up by just one point in the Go-Pro Mountain Games in Vail, Colorado in June, competing in 11 events over four days, including whitewater SUP and kayak, trail running, road cycling and mountain biking.
July PHOTO: supplied
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THE YEAR IN REVIEW
2017
Lakeside landslide closes road
September PHOTO: Nikki Heath
Lakeside Road was closed for almost a week after a landslide at the Marina Terrace construction site on Thursday (September 7). The landslide saw the road covered in soil and prevented traffic passing in either direction. Vehicles used Lismore Street as a detour while the clean-up was undertaken. Marina Terrace developer Multiplied Investment Partners (MIP), which is based in Wanaka, confirmed that the landslide was a result of the site becoming destabilised after the mandatory removal of vegetation and waterlogged soil. QLDC oversaw the clean-up to ensure all of the necessary procedures were followed. A pedestrian lakeside walkway beneath the landslide was re-opened during this time.
Wanaka snowboarder wins Athlete of the Year Wanaka’s Zoi Sadowski Synnott has capped off a fine 2017 by winning the Snow Sports NZ Overall Athlete of the Year. The award comes after Zoi racked up a range of impressive results in her August first year competing on the World Cup circuit, although PHOTO: Jodie Rainsford Photography she said she was shocked to receive it. Young stroke survivors hit slopes The 16-year-old is Two young stroke survivors experienced outdoor skiing for the first time now ranked third on the ever in Wanaka in August thanks to the Young Stroke Thrivers Foundation International Ski Federation September and Foundation North. (FIS) World Cup standings Seven-year-old Hugh from Whangarei, who had a stroke at six months and for women’s snowboard 11-year-old Sofia, who had her stroke at the age of one, took adaptive skiing slopestyle after a year lessons at Cardrona Alpine Resort on July 30 and 31 and August 2 and 4. in which she took first in the 2016-17 season’s Executive and founder of the Young Stroke Thrivers Foundation Maria slopestyle World Cup finale in the Czech Republic Fredatovich said that Hugh, his father Brandon, Sofia and her parents Tony and claimed silver at the World Championships and Suskia stayed in Wanaka with generous donations from Mons Royale. in Spain. She also secured World Cup bronze in Snowboard Big Air in Canada, followed by a Maria said the foundation had helped Sofia to indoor ski twice and she instantly fell in love with it. It will be Hugh’s first time ever skiing. World Cup bronze medal in slopestyle at the Audi Last year, the foundation brought young stroke survivor Zoe, pictured quattro Winter Games NZ in Wanaka. with her instructor Sam, down from Auckland to take adaptive ski lessons Zoi also claimed Snowboarder of the Year. Pictured is Zoi with her award. at Cardrona.
Quake fears close much-loved hall
PHOTO: Stash Media Worx
Open daily for breakfast, lunch & dinner 8am – 10pm everyday
September PHOTO: Danielle Butler
The Luggate community was in shock following the closure of its beloved Memorial Hall, pictured. The hall, which opened in 1954, was closed permanently on Saturday September 2 after it failed to meet minimum earthquake strengthening standards. Luggate Community Association chairman Graeme Perkins said the community was now faced with two options of either retaining the original hall or tearing it down and starting again. He added that the community association were in the process of gathering ideas from residents about what they’d like to see from the future hall, and whether they’d rather push to retain the current building or start anew. The hall has been a popular venue for exercise classes, weddings, parties, funerals, live entertainment and internationally-renowned events such as the Festival of Colour over its 63 years.
THE WANAKA SUN
WE WILL CARE FOR YOUR PROPERTY LIKE IT’S OUR OWN DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT! Everything just runs smoothly. You send me money, reports, fix things when needed. Hassle free. It’s been over five years and I trust your judgement. I rent it, but I don’t need to think about it – it’s hands free.” GAIL, Southland
The best thing is you understand about getting the right people for the house. Our first visit back, the garage was even tidier than when we’d left. It’s so nice to see our house has been cared for like it’s your own. I’d give you a 9.5 out of 10, and that’s because I don’t give 10s.” BARBARA, Otago
Level 1, 4 Helwick Street | 03 443 6921 | www.housemart.co.nz
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2017 THE YEAR IN REVIEW Sun News
thewanakasun.co.nz
Sailing stars bring America’s Cup to town
PBFW thrilled at plastic bag ban
A crowd of more than 200 people flocked to Wanaka Yacht Club in October to see the America’s Cup. The trophy, affectionately called the Auld Mug, was brought to town by Emirates Team New Zealand for the first time ever on Monday (October 16) and local residents seized the chance to get a picture and meet their heroes. Yacht club commodore Jeff Mercer said it was a big day for the club and the town. “It’s really important for us and our town. We’re an active yacht club and it’s a good turnout, at least 200. It’s so nice to see the team as well. They could have sent one guy, but three or four are here. “We wanted to be Wanaka and low key, nothing too shiny. Just locals having lunch and a photo with the cup,” he said. Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton said he was really happy to get the chance to show the cup to people at the grassroots of sailing.
October PHOTO: supplied
Plastic Bag Free Wanaka (PBFW) rejoiced at the news “that couldn’t come soon enough”; both New World and Countdown will phase out singleuse plastic bags by the end of next year.
Countdown announced in September that single-use plastic bags will be removed from stores and online deliveries by the end of 2018, with New World quickly following suit with a similar announcement on Tuesday October 10. The move followed New World’s bag vote last month, which resulted in the majority of consumers voting for a 10 cent surcharge on plastic bags from February 2018, which will go towards environmental causes.
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PHOTO: supplied
Obscene graffiti shocks community The Wanaka community reacted with shock and anger after a spate of graffiti hit the town on Friday October 27. Residents awoke on the Saturday morning to find the words “Satan is Real” spray-painted on the dinosaur in the Dinosaur Park and an obscene word written on a bench outside the Lake Wanaka Centre. Vandals also scrawled on a water tank on Plantation Road and on the back of Korean restaurant Shinaburo on Ardmore Street. Angry locals quickly vented their anger on social media, with many calling for severe punishment for those responsible. Other residents called for the naming and shaming of the guilty party or parties, while others wanted to see them face the children who use the park to apologise for the damage.
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October PHOTO: Nikki Heath
PAGE 8
THURSDAY 04.01.18 - WEDNESDAY 10.01.18
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Sun News
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THE YEAR IN REVIEW
2017
Navigation bylaw change
Active transport vision
The Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) received 326 submissions on the proposed Navigation Safety Bylaw 2017, with a vast majority calling for no motorcraft at all times on the stretch of river from the Lake Outlet to the Albert Town bridge. After public hearings, the QLDC have gone back to the drawing board, taking into consideration the views of the community. The bylaw will now be re-drafted and further public consultation sought early in 2018. Pictured: The Clutha River near the Albert Town Campground and Albert Town bridge.
Around 120 residents turned up to a meeting at the Lake Wanaka Centre Thursday November 30 where the masterplan on active transport was unveiled. The Active Transport Collective is a collaborative group made up of members from Bike Wanaka, Upper Clutha Tracks Trust, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and the local schools. Feedback from school children in the district has shown that many of them would like to bike to school, but it is not safe enough for them to do so. The collective presented its strategy for a bike and walking network masterplan, with a delivery time of around 10 years. The highest priority was the School to Pool cycleway, followed by Anderson Road, December Aubrey Road, Bridge (Albert Town) to town and Town PHOTO: Barking Cat Centre.
November PHOTO: Glenda Turnbull
Winemaker wins Supreme Rural Women Award
November PHOTO: supplied
Bannockburn businesswoman Debra Cruickshank won the NZI Supreme Enterprising Rural Women Award in November. The boutique winemaker won the award, run by Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ), for her business DC Wines Limited. It is her second major business accolade in as many months after she took home the RWNZ Entrepreneurial Enterprising Rural Women Award in October. The four winners from that night went head-to-head in the Supreme category, but it was Debra who took the win. “It was exciting and incredible. It’s a huge honour just to be recognised for the hard work I’ve put in and now I’m ready to take it to the next level. “I was hopeful, but it was a shock. There were some really amazing women there that I was competing against and they were very inspiring,” Debra said.
Champions of the kitchen Wanaka’s Chris and Bex Wright have won My Kitchen Rules New Zealand (MKR NZ) and $100,000 in prize money. Team Wright beat arch rivals Heather and Mitch in Monday’s Grand Final to claim the title, scoring 52 out of 60 to win by five points. “We thought we deserved to win and it was quite close. The amount of support we have had, I feel like we would have disappointed them if we didn’t win. It’s great you’re making everyone else happy,” said Chris. The Grand Final was hosted at Auckland’s Gusto at the Grand and saw the teams tasked with cooking a four course meal, including an entrée, fish course, meat course and dessert for 20 people.
Pool debt reduced by Scurr Heights The Wanaka Community Board (WCB) approved a recommendation to reduce the debt on the new swimming pool by $6 million to be paid from the Wanaka Asset Sale Reserve fund at the WCB meeting Thursday November 30. The decision was not made lightly with WCB chairperson Rachel Brown using her casting vote to get it through. Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) GM finance and regulatory Stewart Burns and chief executive officer Mike Thelan recommended that $6 million be allocated from the sale reserve fund to part repay the Wanaka swimming pool debt. The draft 10 Year Plan 2018-28 Long Term Plan budgets are to be set in January 2018. Stewart said this would leave a sizeable balance in the fund for future projects, but the $6 million repayment would save a huge amount in interest. Councillors McLeod, Smith and WCB member Ruth Harrison voted against the motion. Rachel used her casting vote saying that absent WCB member Ed Taylor had intimated he was in favour of the proposal.
CENTRAL OTAGO Funerals
“Owned and operated by locals”
Welcome to 'CENTRAL OTAGO Funerals' news.... It is coming up two years since we bought the business from Jim and Barbara Harborow. We thought it timely to take the opportunity each month to share with the community different aspects of our business. We also hope to tell you some interesting stories or facts relating to the funeral industry and maybe the odd funny story that will brighten up your day... “Reporters interviewing a 104-year old woman: 'And what do you think is the best thing about being 104?' the reporter asked.... She simply replied, 'no peer pressure!”.
November PHOTO: supplied
Office hours: 8.30am-5.00pm 16 Ennis Street, December Alexandra (03) 448-8642
STONEWOOD H O M E S
0800 263 863
www.centralotagofunerals.co.nz E: office@centralotagofunerals.co.nz PHOTO: Glenda Turnbull
CENTRAL OTAGO Funerals “Owned and operated by locals”
Stonewood Homes Showhomes at 64 Infinity Drive, Peninsula Bay and 8 Ethereal Crescent, Pisa Moorings. See our website for holiday opening hours. Everyone welcome. Come and meet the Stonewood Team and see what Stonewood can do for you.
(03) 443 5229 www.stonewood.co.nz THE WANAKA SUN
(formerly Harborow & Co)
(formerly Harborow & Co)
in Alexandra but covering all Based in Based Alexandra but covering all of Central Otago of Central Otago Chapel available Owners of Central Crematorium Chapel available
Lynette Hodge
Owners of Central Crematorium
Office hours: 8.30am-5.00pm 16 Ennis Street, Alexandra (03) 448-8642
Lynette Hodge
THURSDAY 04.01.18 - WEDNESDAY 10.01.18
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Carla Creighton
Office hours: 8.30am-5.00pm 16 Ennis Street, Alexandra (03) 448-8642
Graham Stephen 0800 263 863
Graham Stephen 0800 263 863
www.centralotagofunerals.co.nz E: office@centralotagofunerals.co.nz
PAGE 9
Sun News
The Nook hosts koha concert
BUTLER D DANIELLE newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz A trio of talented acts will be hosted in Hawea this month by local singer/ songwriter Anna van Riel. Jazz pianist and singer Nick Dow will join folk/pop singers The Swan Sisters and musician Chris William at The Nook on Sunday January 14. Anna will host the artists in a koha concert as they embark on their summer tour throughout January. “I’m so excited to have these fabulous creatures performing for us,”
Hawea Flat’s Sharing Shed has celebrated the end of its first year with three extensions and more than 1000 members on its Facebook page. Susan Allison and her family built the shed outside their Kane Road home towards the end of December 2016 as a platform for people to share leftover produce and other items in a bid to reduce waste. Since its creation, the shed now receives daily donations of clothes, produce, toys, ski gear, homeware and everything in-between. “It has just grown so much. We definitely didn’t see it becoming so popular and there has been some amazing, amazing things donated over the past year,” Susan said. Susan added that not only had people been generous with donations to each other, but locals had also been giving materials such as screws, shelves and lighting to help expand
CAMERA CLUB In Focus
PHOTO: Supplied
Anna said. Entry is by donation and all koha will go back to the artists. “My goal is to support original music and offer great concept opportunities to our community where parents can relax and children can play safely,” Anna said. The concert will start at 3pm and attendees are welcome to bring picnics, chairs, bean bags, blankets and sun shade, as shade at the location on 62 Nook Road, Lake Hawea, is limited. Children are welcome to attend but the event will be dog and smoke-free.
Booming first year for Sharing Shed BUTLER D DANIELLE newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
thewanakasun.co.nz
the shed as it grew in popularity. “People are really generous and it’s become a real community thing, which is really cool to see,” Susan said. “It’s exceeded my expectations tenfold and the whole family is so proud of it. It’s been a real family journey over the past year. It’s very humbling to know that the shed has benefited the community.” The shed hasn’t just been an asset to the local community, but has also inspired pop-up sheds and similar sharing concepts in locations including Ranfurly and Te Anau. Susan has made contacts in Cromwell and Queenstown who she is able to donate extra items to so that they can go to people in need. “When the shed is exploding with donations, which can happen, it makes me proud to know that the extra stuff can go to help others,” Susan said. The Sharing Shed is located at 820 Kane Road, Windmill Corner or can be found online by searching for ‘Sharing Shed’ on Facebook.
PHOTO: Tui Willson
“Tilly” - Tui Willson Moore B Bob Wanaka Camera Club Many of us will have grown up with dogs around us and will appreciate how important they are. So it is hardly surprising that at some point we will be eager to capture our dog’s full cuteness in a photo. It is not particularly difficult to take a picture of our canine friends, but it takes a little more effort to turn the average ‘snapshot’ into a captivating photograph. It is easier than we think to take better pictures of our pet without any fancy equipment. There a few key elements to creating great images - find the right light, stay focused, watch the background, shoot low at the same level as the dog and in postproduction do some minor adjustments. Beautiful pictures of our dogs can be created anywhere, indoors or out, because the major element in either setting is finding the right light. When photographing our dog indoors, open up all the curtains to let natural light filter through. Avoid using a flash on our camera because it will create harsh light. If a camera flash is used, attach a piece of tissue paper over it to soften the hard shadows. Photographing outdoors on overcast days is an ideal lighting condition as it creates soft appealing shadows. On sunny days, try to find a shaded area with no direct sunlight, as this will avoid hard unflattering shadows. Move around to find the best angle for the picture. Get down to their level by sitting, kneeling or lying on the floor. The angle we choose can make a dramatic difference and be the difference between a snapshot or a picture with real impact. The dog’s eyes are important in our photo, as they are major means of communicating with our viewer. If we make sure our pets eyes are tack-sharp we are well on the way to creating a great image. Do this by using a single focus point on our camera, so we can accurately pinpoint the eyes as the main centre of interest. Pay attention to the background to make sure there are no ugly or distracting elements that could ruin the shot. Overcome this by adjusting our
camera angle or changing our lens. Using a longer lens (85mm+), enables us to fill the frame with our pet, giving less room for distraction. Another way of achieving this is to use a standard lens (a 50mm prime lens is a good choice) set at a wide aperture. This will give a narrow depth of field resulting in a blurred background. Not all backgrounds are distracting, so it is worth remembering that an attractive one can add interest to our image. Capturing a picture of a dog in action is never easy. Success can be achieved if we set our camera tracking mode (continuous focus on most cameras) and use the highest burst frame setting we have. Try to keep the shutter speed high to ensure maximum sharpness. Be ready to shoot as we never know when an opportunity will present itself. Dogs are fast moving and it is frustrating to have the perfect shot lined up but our camera isn’t ready to go! Don’t be afraid to experiment. Capturing individual parts of our dog can create interesting pictures. Search for interesting angles of our pet’s details. A wet nose, crossed paws, a curly tail or appealing eyes can make for great photos If we are having a good time, our dog will be too, and our photos will capture this happiness. Tui Willson certainly had fun photographing her five-year old black Labrador ‘Tilly’ on her farm in the Lindis Valley. The beautiful light captures the brown eyes well and the photo is nicely focused on the head with blur separating ‘Tilly’ from the background. Tui took the picture with a Canon EOS 50D camera attached to her new Canon EF 50 f1.8 prime lens. Her camera was set with a shutter speed of 1/1600th sec, aperture of f1.8, and an ISO of 100. Tui’s picture impressed the judge of the club’s monthly competition who awarded it a ‘Merit’ rating. Wanaka Camera Club is dedicated to help improve the skills of anyone interested in photography. We welcome anyone to join us, irrespective of photographic ability. If you know nothing about photography we will teach you. Come along and see what we can do for you. Our next meeting is Monday, February 12 at the St John Rooms, Link Way.
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PAGE 10
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Register your interest at www.onekapukalane.co.nz or phone 027 294 6801
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Sun Views
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Win a wedding in Wanaka
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
TURNBULL G GLENDA editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Congestion at launching area
Dear editor, It’s December 29 and Eely Point launching area is very busy. So what does some bright spark do? Launches boat and then parks vehicle and boat trailer across the top of the launching area and leaves. No one can use that end of the launching area - see the pic. People need to think. David
One lucky VIP ticket holder at the 2018 Wanaka Wedding Fair will walk away with a wedding in Wanaka valued at over $17,000. The event has nearly doubled in size this year, with a great selection of photographers, florists, cake creators, stylists, venues, gifts and bridal wear. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your big day, or looking for a great day out over the summer break, the wedding fair promises to be a fun filled day. And with even more weddings booked for the coming year in Wanaka, the fair is a good place to get in first and to see quality and in demand wedding suppliers. The fair will be presented in a
country fair style, by the talented local vendors of the Wanaka wedding community. This year VIP tickets are available to purchase for just $20 online or on the gate, and includes a goodie bag, a copy of the wedding fair mini-mag Together Journal and an entry to Win a Wedding in Wanaka. Otherwise entry is free. Tregold Weddings/Wanaka Wedding Fair event organiser Samantha Stout said, “This is a fantastic prize, we have been overwhelmed with the generosity of these wonderful local suppliers. One lucky couple will win their dream wedding and that’s pretty special.” The event will take place Sunday January 7, 10am-3pm, at Corbridge Woolshed. For more information check out thewanakaweddingfair. co.nz or their social pages.
PHOTO: supplied
Response from QLDC harbourmaster Marty Black
PHOTO: Charlotte Kiri Photography
“Some people can be a little bit inconsiderate at this time of year, but if you spot a problem such as this, put in a request for service to Queenstown Lakes District Council and we will come and sort it out,” Marty said.
Ban the bikes
@FRANKIETHENOMAD E: HELLO@FRANKIETHENOMAD.CO.NZ WWW.FRANKIETHENOMAD.CO.NZ
Dear editor, I make this proposal as a long-time cyclist myself. It may be universally agreed that the best means of spoiling a good walk is to play a game of golf. But for locals it is walking the Outlet Track, where bike traffic is relentless and tends to make a pleasant ramble impossible. This is not surprising since the track is narrow and unlikely ever to be widened. Therefore the track is unsuitable for both walkers and cyclists to both share and enjoy the experience. Although we live in an age that insists everyone should be able experience everything, practicalities tend to make nonsense of this aim. Christopher Horan
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Lifejacket swap shop sets up TURNBULL G GLENDA editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Coastguard New Zealand’s Old4New lifejacket campaign comes to Wanaka for the first time on Sunday January 7. The initiative, in its second year, visits boat ramps and key locations across the country taking in old, damaged and out-of-date lifejackets in exchange for discounted new, quality Hutchwilco lifejackets. Wanaka Coastguard president Jonathan Walmisley
said, “Take this opportunity to swap that tired old lifejacket for a new one at a reduced cost. Give yourself peace of mind that your lifejackets meet the standard required and keep you afloat when you need them. “The message is simple: life jackets save lives, so wear one. Be safe, wear a lifejacket, have a means of communication, watch the weather and be sober.” The Old4New van will be at Kai Whaka Pai on Sunday January 7 from 1pm to 4pm and at Lake Dunstan Playground on Alpha Street, Cromwell, from 8am to 11am on Monday January 8.
The team at Wanaka Pharmacy has given us two Nude by Nature Pure Shores Deluxe Contour Collection sets (valued at over $240) to give away!
IMAGE CREDIT: MICIMAGE
ge r i dk a . b r Co ana by , W d d ste she Ho ool W
This week’s Giveaway...
Weekly
GiveaWay
07 • JANUARY • 2018
10am to 3pm
41 Helwick Street Open 8am to 8pm daily Last week’s winner...
VIP tickets $20, all VIP ticket holders present on the day go into the draw to WIN A WEDDING IN WANAKA!
visit our Wanaka Sun Facebook page to enter now!
The winner of Family Jet Boating Pass from Go Jets Wanaka is Jess Eastwood.
*T & Cs’ apply
Tickets and all further details at:
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Sun Classifieds
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Buying property? Don’t buy a liquefaction or landslide problem. Phone now to discuss your site with the geotechnical engineers of Geosolve Ltd, backed by over 30 years local knowledge and experience. Ph. 03 443 2879
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NOTICES Wanaka Salvation Army Family Store. Opening Hours – Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, Saturday 9.30am – 4pm. We look forward to seeing you here! Donations kindly received. Please drop them into the Salvation Army Family store or ph 443 5068 to book a pick up. 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 027 208 9462. Rags, rags, rags ... little ones, big ones, cotton ones and drop cloths, available from the Wanaka Salvation Army Family Store 443 5068.
Wanted NZ Golf Open March 1 to March 4 2018. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Benn on 021 728 713 or benn@theclubhouse.kiwi. More information is available at www.nzopen. co.nz/volunteers.html 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.
Services Wanaka Pharmacy is your local pharmacy. We’re the big pharmacy at the top of Helwick Street - open from 8am until 8pm every single day. Ph 443 8000.
EMPLOYMENT
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Technician Wanted Reliable and trustworthy. Preferably someone with experience in cleaning carpets, upholstery, pest control and fire/flood restoration. Please send application with CV to ch2nz@xtra.co.nz
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ISSUE 851 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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EMPLOYMENT
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.
EVERY LETTERBOX EVERY THURSDAY Is your Wanaka Sun delivered every Thursday? If not, email your address to hello@thewanakasun.co.nz or phone us on 03 443 5252 THE WANAKA SUN
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PAGE 13
Sun Sport
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Big crowd at scorching rodeo
PHOTO: Miles Holden
Red Bull Defiance offers single stages BUTLER D DANIELLE newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz Crowds gathered for Wanaka’s 55th annual rodeo on a scorching day at the rodeo grounds on Tuesday January 2. More than 5000 spectators turned out for the event, opened on horseback by New Zealand’s Minister of Defence Ron Mark. Wanaka Rodeo Club president Lyal Cocks said that the event had been magnificent, running smoothly throughout.
PHOTO: Britt Smith
“We had really good competition throughout and some great entertainment from Jody Direen this year. The whole day was really successful,” Lyal said. “The club is very happy with it and we’re very thankful for all the people who came out and hopefully they all got what they came for.” The Rodeo forms part of the South Island Christmas Circuit made up of five rodeos, with the national finals returning to Wanaka on March 10 and 11.
TURNBULL G GLENDA editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Competitors have the opportunity to tackle separate stages of Wanaka’s Red Bull Defiance this year as organisers offer the Minaret Mountain Bike race and Skyline Traverse. Set in the spectacular Wanaka high country, the Minaret Mountain Bike offers a once-a-year opportunity to ride at one of New Zealand’s most prestigious high country stations. This event starts with a barge ride across Lake Wanaka to the start line on Minaret Station. The ride itself navigates the shoreline of Lake Wanaka with a combination of undulations and
a few steeper climbs. It then descends across a mixture of 4WD and single track. This is a once-ina-lifetime chance to experience one of Wanaka’s most sought after mountain biking experiences. Alternatively, if running is more your cup of tea, complete the most challenging stage of Wanaka’s Red Bull Defiance by racing the Skyline Traverse, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular skylines. This is one of the highlights of the Red Bull Defiance event. This spectacular trail run offers a lengthy ascent followed by a technical traverse across the ridge line of Mt Alpha and Mt Roy high above Wanaka. Pictured: Marcel Hagener and Simone Maier compete in the mountain bike section of the 2017 race.
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Phone: 03 443 8000 Top of Helwick Street, Wanaka OPENING HOURS: 8AM TO 8PM 7 DAYS PAGE 14
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Sun Sport
Cherry spit draws Cromwell crowds
PHOTO: Supplied
Safari explores Cochrane farm TURNBULL G GLENDA editor@thewanakasun.co.nz PHOTO: Supplied
WHITE R ROB journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Hundreds of people descended on the Cromwell Heritage Precinct last weekend for the annual National Cherry Stone Spitting Championships. Local residents and holidaymakers flocked to the town’s Farmer’s and Craft Market on New Year’s Eve for the event and it didn’t disappoint, with a new overall champion crowned amid impressive performances across the board. Cromwell and Districts Promotion Group community relationships manager Brigitte Tait said she was delighted with how popular the event had been. “The day went really well and there were a lot more people than last year. We were thrilled with
the turnout. I think it was a record number of cherry spitters with over 100 competing. “It’s quite a quirky event, but people love it. It’s also a great way to celebrate our cherries, because they are booming,” she said. Dunedin firefighter Aaron Collins took the top prize, spitting his stone 11.5 metres and more than a metre further than last year’s champion. It was Aaron’s second win in six years after his previous triumph in 2012. Emily Rowse took the women’s title with a spit of 9.8 metres, while Aiden O’Connell and Claudia Rowse won their respective junior sections. Despite the inconsistent weather, the crowds also enjoyed cherry-cream pie eating and performances from Dunedin musician Jonathan Usher. Pictured: Junior boys winner Aiden O’Connell in action.
Wanaka Search and Rescue will benefit from the upcoming Wanaka Lions 4WD tour on January 13. Drivers will be able to explore the scenic beauty of West Wanaka Station, an iconic 30,000 acre high-country farm, that boundaries the Mt Aspiring National Park, the Matukituki River and the shores of Lake Wanaka. The farm has been in the Cochrane family for more than 100 years and has an ideal balance of river flat and high country. The farm currently supports 13,500 sheep, 1350 cattle and 2220 deer. The trip will be guided, meeting near the Matukituki River bridge at West Wanaka. Organiser Steve Richmond said the journey will take about three hours
and the Wanaka and Districts Lions Club will supply a barbecue at the end of the day. “We will lead you along the flat, and then rise into the high-country via a mountain pass, climbing to 1000 metres, witnessing spectacular vistas and animals in their natural environment,” Steve said. Registration is essential and numbers are strictly limited. There is also a passenger option for those who would like to attend but who don’t have a 4WD vehicle. The cost of the safari will be $50 for adults and $25 for children under 15 years (children under five are free). Organisers thank James and Jonelle Cochrane for their support, both for Wanaka and District Lions and Wanaka Search and Rescue. Pictured: Views from the safari route.
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ph: (03) 443 0710 www.wanakamedical.co.nz Duty practice open on weekends and public holidays. 9am - 6pm PAGE 15
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Cyclists flock to Bannockburn Classic WHITE R ROB journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz More than 360 mountain bikers headed to Central Otago over the weekend for the 21st annual Bannockburn Classic, a 54km race around the town’s streets, farms and gold workings. The race, which includes 2000 metres of vertical climb, was held on Saturday (December 30) and attracted riders from across the South Island. Wanaka cyclist Annabel Anderson stormed to victory in the women’s event, shrugging off a fall to finish with a time of 2:59:14, a full eight minutes ahead of her nearest rival. Commonwealth Games and World Champion Arlon Cooper took the men’s title, with Ben Oliver (Rangiora) finishing just ahead of Hawea’s Paul Wright. Race organiser Bill Godsall said the race had been a big success. “We were really, really happy with the way it went. There was an increase in numbers, a lot of them came to try out the new course. There were also no incidents or accidents, which is always important for us. We also really appreciate the farmers giving us access to the land,” he said. Bill also said that the event would run again next year and that it would continue to offer an affordable option for people wanting to race. “We keep the costs down low to give everyone the opportunity to get out there and do it. It’s $45 and the families can come along and do it as well. Not everyone can afford $150 for a race.” Pictured: Women’s winner Annabel Anderson.
PHOTO: Supplied
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