Sports awards
INSIDE THIS WEEK Views: PAGE 11 jobs: PAGE13 sport: Page 16
Anderson wins supreme award.
paGE 15
Brown resigns as WCB chair After more than four years as chair, Rachel Brown steps down.
28 Reece Crescent Wanaka ph 03 443 8176 | www.guthriebowron.co.nz
page 3
thewanakasun.co.nz
Thur 19.04.18 - wed 25.04.18
DELIVERED AND FREE
EDITION 866
Victoria Sefton from Christchurch tackles a river crossing during the Contact Epic on Saturday. More on the Contact Epic on page 16. PHOTO: Ben Davies, Studio5
Bloggers provoke anger with Roys Peak camp WHITE R ROB journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
T
wo professional travel bloggers have sparked outrage after camping overnight on Roys Peak. Australian couple Alesha Bradford and Jarryd Salem, who run a blog called NOMADasaurus, spent a night on the mountain to watch the sunrise and sunset and camped just below the summit. The pair posted pictures of their trip to more than 70,000 Instagram and 44,000 Facebook followers, calling the location “arguably the best campsite in all of NZ” alongside the words “And we had it all to ourselves.” The posts have since been deleted, but
local residents were quick to vent their anger on social media. Some called it “shocking” and others used personal insults, while several more demanded an explanation from outdoor equipment suppliers Kathmandu, which works with the pair but did not sponsor their recent trip. Other posters, however, leapt to their defence and said they were both just visitors acting within the law. Roys Peak is managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and in response, operations manager Mike Tubbs asked people not to camp there. “Overnight camping on Roys Peak is not sustainable. Issues arising from this activity include threatening the area’s wildlife and causing damage to fragile snow tussock
growing around the summit. There are also waste disposal and safety issues arising from camping at an altitude of more than 1500 metres. “For these reasons, we strongly ask that visitors respect our beautiful environment and do the right thing in the outdoors by not camping on Roys Peak. “DOC is currently looking into its options for prohibiting camping on Roys Peak in future,” he said. The travel bloggers declined to comment on their trip when asked by the Wanaka Sun, but a spokesperson from Kathmandu attested to the pair’s good character and said the company was committed to responsible camping. “As a global leader in sustainability, and a
partner with Leave No Trace, we are clearly in support of responsible travel across New Zealand. Alesha and Jarryd are good people with nothing but the best intentions. “Perhaps this case is a good opportunity to work with Alesha and Jarryd in educating tourists and indeed other influencers on best practice for responsible camping? Next time we become aware of one of our independent international influencers visiting New Zealand, we will be sure to share our Leave No Trace commitments with them and brief them on best practice for responsible travel before they head off on their adventures,” they said. Roys Peak remains one of New Zealand’s most popular walks and 64,000 people used the track in 2017.
Boundary lines are indicative only
Wanaka 1 Avalanche Place
Wanaka 17 Forest Heights
Wanaka 10 Matai Road
For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty (unless sold prior) 4pm, Thu 17 May 2018, 62 Ardmore St, Wanaka bayleys.co.nz/224345
For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty (unless sold prior) 4pm, Thu 17 May 2018, 62 Ardmore St, Wanaka bayleys.co.nz/224331
For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty (unless sold prior) 4pm, Thu 17 May 2018, 62 Ardmore St, Wanaka bayleys.co.nz/224341
Sharon Donnelly P 0508 DONNELLY
No.
E sharon.donnelly@bayleys.co.nz
MAT ANDREWS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008
RESIDENTIAL
SALESPERSON
NATIONWIDE 2016 / 2017
Sun News
thewanakasun.co.nz
Hawea waste collection depot decision deferred Owens A Aimee journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: Wanaka Sun
Speed limit change on Aubrey, Luggate not considered REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz The speed limit on Aubrey Road from the Gunn Road roundabout to the intersection with State Highway 6 is being reduced from 70kph to 50kph. QLDC communications advisor Jimmy Sygrove said signs had been ordered and the council hopes to have them installed by the end of April. Meanwhile in Luggate, residents are thinking about petitioning Queenstown Lakes District Council and the New Zealand Transport Agency to expand the 50kph speed limit through the village towards the Church Road turn off. Roy Johnston, NZ Transport Agency senior safety engineer, said yesterday (Wednesday April 18) that the NZTA was looking at where improved speed management could provide a significant
reduction in death and serious injuries on the state highway network but the work was in its early stages. “We are currently scoping a national speed management programme that focuses on the state highway corridors where speed management will provide the greatest effect. “These are identified and prioritised using the recently developed national speed management guide and a set of supporting map tools that highlight the appropriate intervention based on the road’s function. “At this stage, Luggate is not part of that highest benefit group. However, we are intending to have further discussions with the Queenstown Lakes District Council about speed management which may provide an opportunity for Luggate to be considered further.”
Green light for comms facility upgrade
Wanaka Community Board (WCB) is still deliberating on the waste collection point on Domain Road, after holding off on making a recommendation to council at its meeting last Thursday April 12. Alternative suggestions from members of the Hawea Community Association, other than kerbside collections, have been forwarded to the WCB, which will in turn pass them on to Queenstown Lakes District Council for discussion at its next meeting. Hawea Community Association members Errol Carr and Barbara Chinn believe that the recycling depot is essential due to the increase of holidaymakers, visitors and even residents to the area. Barbara said, “There are many holiday-makers to the township, and these people put out their rubbish when they leave, usually at the end of the weekend. “They put their bags on the footpath, and these are collected on the following Thursday, leaving wandering dogs, cats and other
animals plenty of time to rip them open and allow the contents to blow about, leaving the township streets very messy.” The WCB was to consider whether the Hawea Waste Collection Point should be removed and replaced with kerbside collection for eligible properties in the area that do not currently receive one. One idea sent to the Council suggested that the recycling centre could be moved down the road to the green-waste centre and made available on Sundays, instead of Saturdays, giving weekend visitors a more convenient time to dispose of items. The issue was brought before the board because of the misuse of the recycling centre, with general waste being dumped along with recyclable items, therefore contaminating them and leading to recyclable items being sent to landfill. Meanwhile Error Carr said he remained somewhat hopeful. “If the council still decides to close the recycling centre, at least the closure has been put off for a while.”
‘Usual culprits’ cleaned up REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz The Albert Town Community Association (ACTA) held its End-ofSummer Cleanup on Sunday April 15, yielding a trailer load of large items and 30 big bags of rubbish. Twelve members of the association spent two hours picking up rubbish along State Highway 6, Aubrey Road, Hawea reserve area and local tracks. ATCA chair Jim Cowie said the group picked up most of the rubbish along the State Highway and that it included
some familiar items. “The usual culprits - beer cans and bottles, lots of plastic bags and food containers, cardboard cartons and, sadly on our walking tracks, dog crap in plastic bags dropped by irresponsible and unthinking dog owners,” he said. There was a reduction in builders’ waste from the last two years, which Jim hoped was a sign that some builders were taking a more responsible approach to securing it.
Name change proposal accepted REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz WHITE R ROB journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz The communications facility on Roys Peak is set to be fitted with solar panels after the Upper Clutha Radio Telephone Users Association (UCRTUA) successfully raised $266,000 for the project. The facility, used by local groups such as LANDSAR, the Department of Conservation and Coastguard, houses radio repeater units and has been powered by a diesel generator since lightning strikes damaged its batteries in February. It will now have 24 solar panels and a backup generator fitted to ensure it can continue to operate even in bad weather, such as heavy snowfall. UCRTUA chair Ian Brown said he was delighted
PAGE 2
PHOTO: supplied
that the project was going ahead. “I am over-the-moon. It’s absolutely fantastic. We were going to source funding from other sources, like maybe a bank, but this has taken the pressure off. “We have already pushed the go button with the supplier and said hurry up before the bad weather comes,” he said. The UCRTUA contributed $60,000 before applying for funding and the Central Lakes Trust ($100,000), the Otago Community Trust ($66,000) and Lion Foundation ($40,000) contributed the remainder of the money required.
The New Zealand Geographic Board (NZGB) has accepted the proposals to alter Gladstone to John Creek, for the village/locality, and Johns Creek to John Creek, for the stream. The application was made by Lake Hawea resident Barbara Chinn, who told the Wanaka Sun that the place name noted on topographical maps for the area John Creek is Gladstone, a settlement surveyed in the 1800s, but never settled, with many of the surveyed sections being submerged when Lake Hawea was raised in the 1950s. The ‘John Creek’ settlement
THURSDAY 19.04.18 - WEDNESDAY 25.04.18
is named after the John family, who first farmed there. She said the Hawea Community Association decided on the name John Creek after she pointed out that possessives are not used for most other names, such as Muir Road and Kane Road. The NZGB will publicly notify the change in the coming month and will invite submissions on the proposals for three months (from mid-May to mid-August). The Board will then forward its recommendations to the Minister for Land Information to make the final determinations.
THE WANAKA SUN
thewanakasun.co.nz
Sun News
Brown resigns as WCB chair WHITE R ROB journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Rachel Brown has stepped down as chair of the Wanaka Community Board (WCB) after four-and-ahalf years in the role. She will be replaced by Queenstown Lakes District councillor Quentin Smith, who was elected to the position at last Thursday’s (April 12) WCB meeting. Ruth Harrison will serve as deputy chair. Rachel, who will continue to serve as a WCB member for the remainder of the term, said her decision meant she would have more time and energy for her personal life. “I have stepped down from a position that was taking too much of my time and effort just to steer and represent the board. I will continue to support the WCB in its important role as interface between community and council and as an extra level of representation and advocacy for the Upper Clutha in the busy world of Queenstown Lakes District,” she said. Mayor Jim Boult praised her diligent and dedicated commitment to serving the community and said he was very happy that she would continue as a board member.
“I respect Rachel’s decision that she considers she has reached a point where she feels she can be more effective as a board member. I know the decision was not taken lightly and I am delighted that Rachel will continue to serve her community. “Her knowledge and experience of local matters will be essential for a positive transition at a time when Wanaka has some big challenges ahead,” he said. Councillor Smith also paid tribute to Rachel’s commitment and integrity in the role of chair and said that the WCB had an important job to do. “I will naturally bring my own style and direction to the board and look forward to working with all members of the board and council staff to ensure the board is as effective as possible in representing Wanaka in the broader district. “There is some major PHOTO: supplied planning and projects in the programme where the board can provide direction and leadership, not the least of which are the Wanaka Master Plan and Lake Front Development Plan, where the board can play a significant role in community engagement and ensuring Wanaka’s unique style and voice is reflected,” he said. Pictured: Rachel Brown
PHOTO: supplied
Push for midwifery change presented to Parliament BUTLER D DANIELLE newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Thousands of people pushing for change in the wake of Wanaka’s midwifery crisis have had their voices presented to Parliament in the form of a 3843-signature petition. Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean presented the petition asking for the creation of a sustainable model for rural community midwifery on behalf of Wanaka women. The petition is the culmination of months of fighting for the rights of Wanaka’s midwives by local women following the news that just one fulltime midwife would remain in the town, catering for approximately 180 to 200 pregnancies this year, as of this month. “I strongly believe Wanaka mothers deserve a stand-alone primary birthing unit in their area and I believe we are getting closer to achieving that goal,” Ms Dean said. “The Wanaka area is the most remote from a base hospital of any community in New Zealand and that poses massive safety concerns for expectant mothers.” will be made up of nine people from across Photographer, videographer and local government, industry and key central government agencies. “I expect the working group’s recommendations to cover practical actions we can take to support councils ahead of the 2018/19 peak season, as well as any policy or regulatory changes to the freedom camping system that might be required over the longer term. “The goal is to address challenges around the impact of freedom camping on local communities and the environment, while at the same time enabling individual communities to take advantage of the opportunities freedom camping presents,” he said. The working group is expected to have its first meeting early next month and will report back to Mr Davis no later than July 31 with an outline of its planned work programme and any progress made.
Boult joins freedom camping working group WHITE R ROB journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Mayor Jim Boult will be part of the working group tasked with developing solutions to freedom camping, Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis has announced. The working group was announced in March after a meeting between Mr Davis and 32 mayors and deputy mayors from across New Zealand and the minister today confirmed it would have nine members, including Mayor Boult and three others selected by Local Government New Zealand. Central Otago District Council Mayor Tim Cadogan was also chosen, as were Rotorua District Mayor Steve Chadwick and Christchurch City Deputy Mayor Andrew Turner. Mr Davis said he had a clear idea of the group’s purpose. “The working group will provide me with recommendations for improving the way we manage freedom camping in New Zealand and
Wanaka parent Bel Jones created an emotional and frank video alongside leading campaigner and fellow mum Kristi James to highlight how important Wanaka’s midwives were. “I filmed stories and accounts from a few Wanaka mums of their experience with their Wanaka midwife, how important having a midwife available during the pregnancy, birth and postnatal care is and just how crucial it is for these midwives to receive the support they require to do their job safely and effectively,” Bel said. Ms Dean said that after meeting with Wanaka mothers and the Southern District Health Board’s (SDHB) executive director strategy, primary and community, Lisa Gestro, earlier this month, she believed that the board now had a real understanding of the issues facing local women. “The isolation, the lack of midwives and the area’s ongoing population growth make their situation unique and critical. The meeting was very positive and I now feel confident that the SDHB will look more favourably in the establishment of a stand-alone primary birthing unit in Wanaka as the best long-term solution for the town,” Ms Dean said.
Merger for Wanaka water groups WHITE R ROB journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz The Lake Wanaka Trust (LWT) and the Upper Clutha Water Group (UCWG) have decided to merge, it has been announced. The local community groups, which both work on water quality in the area, will now be known as the Upper Clutha Lakes Trust after the announcement was made last week. The merger became effective on Monday, April 16, and LWT chairman Russell McGeorge said it was good news. “The trustees of the Upper Clutha Lakes Trust see the merger as a positive move to consolidate the number of groups working on all aspects of water quality, and [it] will strengthen the community’s voice in relation to the maintenance of the Upper
THE WANAKA SUN
Clutha’s water quality for future generations. “The two groups share similar objectives and goals relating to the water quality and health of the lakes and rivers in the Upper Clutha, have members in common, and the Upper Clutha Water Group has been an organisational member of the Lake Wanaka Trust almost from the establishment of the Trust,” he said. UCWG chair Mandy Bell said, “When the Upper Clutha Water Group was successful in gaining $385,000 Ministry for the Environment funding from its Freshwater Improvement Fund, in association with the Otago Regional Council, the Te Kãkano Aotearoa Trust and Catchments Otago, it was realised that a more formal legal structure was desirable.” More information on the new group and its work can be found at uppercluthalakestrust.org. THURSDAY 19.04.18 - WEDNESDAY 25.04.18
PAGE 3
Sun News
thewanakasun.co.nz
Coordinator to boost sport participation
PHOTO: Jodie Rainsford
PHOTO: supplied
REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz The Central Otago Primary Schools Sports Association will receive a grant of $43,260 from the Central Lakes Trust to support a regional sports coordinator for the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago region. “The rapid growth in school rolls throughout the region has necessitated a restructure in the way sporting opportunities are organised,” said Bill Godsall, of Sport Central. “Larger sporting events, with increased numbers, are more and more difficult to manage, requiring government compliance such as traffic and crowd management, as well as health and safety regulations.” The coordinator will facilitate a
new approach across the area which stretches from Ranfurly to Glenorchy. Opportunities for participation in sport for all primary school children will be developed, while talent pathways will also be fostered by the coordinator. The region will be split into three zones, Wakatipu, Upper Clutha and Dunstan, to enable qualifying events to take place and more children to participate in events. A central website will list an events calendar, provide a platform for event registration and sports results. “The coordinator will ensure improved communication and liaison between schools, zones and the region in planning dates, standards and events,” CLT chief executive Susan Finlay said. Pictured: Susan Finlay and Bill Godsall.
Bikers gear up for trail ride WHITE R ROB journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Local motorcyclists are fine-tuning their bikes ready for the fourth annual Wanaka Trail Ride on Saturday, April 25. The event, which is open to bikers of all abilities, takes up to 1000 riders along more than 100km of marked trails through Deep Creek, Long Gully and Lindis Peak stations. The family and intermediate routes will follow the same path as last year, but trails manager Grant Cagney said advanced riders could take on something different. “New single-track hill climbs and descents have been marked out through steep tussock country on the front faces which allow experienced riders to get off the main drag. “We aim to have trails for the developing riders’ first excursion into single-trail riding, as well as
challenging expert loops,” he said. Around 125 volunteers will put in over 1000 hours for the event, but Gillian White, who manages those giving their time, said that more people are still welcome to come along and help. “We have students in the community, parents, grandparents, teachers, trail ride enthusiasts, local professionals sharing their skills and other people just keen to get involved. “We can always take more marshals for event day or post-event clearing of the tracks. Catering support is also needed over the busy lunch period and people are needed after the ride to take down tents and pack away signage,” she said. The event will once again raise money for Wanaka Primary School and Montessori Children’s House, with pupils continuing the tradition of hand-drawn thank you cards for organisers and sponsors. More information on the ride is available at wanakatrailride.org.
PHOTO: supplied
Anzac services Anzac Biscuits Recipe Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 10-12 minutes | Serves 24
Ingredients
Method
• 1 cup rolled oats
Preheat oven to 180°C. Combine oats, flour, sugar, coconut in bowl.
• 1 cup plain flour • 1 cup sugar • 1 cup desiccated coconut • 1 tablespoon golden syrup • 125g butter
In a saucepan, stir golden syrup and butter over low heat until butter has melted. Mix bicarbonate of soda and water together, add to the butter mixture and stir. Pour into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
• 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
Roll teaspoonfuls of the mixture into balls. Place on trays 5cm apart. Press lightly with fork.
• 1 tablespoon boiling water
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
The Anzac biscuit recipe evolved fromAnzac the original biscuit The biscuithardtack recipe evolved from the original hardtack biscuit that became a staple for soldier’ that became a staple soldiers’ and sailors’ rations for for centuries. and sailors’ rations forthe centuries. Anzac biscuits uphold tradition Anzac uphold tradition of usingbiscuits ingredients thatthe don’t of using ingredients that don’t readily spoil. readily Makingspoil. Anzac biscuits is one Making biscuits is one traditionAnzac that Kiwis use to tradition that Australians commemorate Anzac day. use to commemorate Anzac Day.
REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Anzac Day, on Wednesday April 25, marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War 1. Dawn services are scheduled for 7am at the lakefront near the log cabin in Wanaka and at the Peninsula, off Capell Avenue, in Lake Hawea. There will be a civic service at the Lake Wanaka Centre at 9am, followed by a wreath-laying service at the cenotaph.
Ray White Ray White Wanaka 03 443 8912 wanaka.nz@raywhite.com
rwwanaka.co.nz Wanaka Real Estate Ltd. Licensed (REAA 2008)
PAGE 4
THURSDAY 19.04.18 - WEDNESDAY 25.04.18
THE WANAKA SUN
thewanakasun.co.nz
Sun News
TAIC report into Mt Sale incident complete
PHOTO: TAIC
REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz The Transport Accident Investigation Commission report into a non-fatal helicopter collision with terrain during a scenic flight on Mount Sale, near Arrowtown, in September 2016 has recommended a safety audit for the operator. The commission found the landing
approach was made with a tailwind when the pilot expected a crosswind and the approach was relatively fast, low and close to the landing site. This approach caused the helicopter to hit the ground hard, before it rolled and ended up on its side (pictured). One of the five passengers on board suffered a minor injury to his knee and the helicopter was substantially damaged. It was the fourth serious landing
accident in three years for operator The Helicopter Line. The Commission has recommended that the chief executive of The Helicopter Line, in consultation with the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority, review the company’s safety management system audit process to ensure that its safety policy, safety assurance, risk management and promotion of safety are sound.
ORC draft plan consultation REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz The Otago Regional Council’s consultation document for the draft long-term plan will be distributed today (Thursday April 19). The proposal outlines the ORC’s aim to build on its existing work programmes to ensure a sustainable future for the region. This includes social, economic and environmental impacts of climate
change, water monitoring and the strategy for water quality, wastewater and urban stormwater. “As the organisation tasked with overseeing the environmental wellbeing of Otago, we must continue to be proactive. We’ve heard the community’s expectation that we do more of what we’re already doing. This will ensure that we stay ahead of environmental issues – from land and aquatic pests to water quality, quantity
and beyond,” ORC chairperson, Stephen Woodhead, said. While consultation is open on the plan, the council’s For Our Future Roadshow - a series of community meetings with staff and councillors - will travel to eight venues across the region. The Roadshow will be at Edgewater Summit Room from 7pm on Thursday April 26 and Cromwell Memorial Hall at 7pm on Friday April 27. Consultation closes on Friday May 11.
Signs breach rules REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Central Otago District Council says it has identified about 150 businesses and events displaying signage that breaches District Plan rules during a recent routine monitoring exercise. The owners of the signs will now have the opportunity to remove the signs without incurring any penalties.
THE WANAKA SUN
“People and businesses need to be sure they comply with the rules before putting up signs. Council needs to occasionally remind people, and have non-complying signs removed, otherwise we run the risk of polluting our landscape with advertising,” said Louise van der Voort, executive manager – planning and environment. Some signs are permitted where they are situated on the property to which
they relate and others are permitted for a temporary period, such as advertising for an event. In general, advertising hoardings are not permitted as they are a non-complying activity. Signs placed or fixed to a vehicle or trailer parked on private or public property, including roads, where the purpose is to advertise are also considered a non-complying activity in the District Plan.
THURSDAY 19.04.18 - WEDNESDAY 25.04.18
GET A ‘SHOT’, NOT THE ‘BOT’! The colder weather has heralded the rapidly approaching winter and with winter comes the flu.
Dr. Jayne Davies
MBChB, MRCGP (UK), FRNZCGP, DFFP, DRCOG, Cert Av Med, Dip Trav Med, CAA NZ Medical Examiner
Influenza is a very contagious disease that is pervasive in winter, spread by coughing, sneezing and direct contact with a contaminated person or surface. It is much more serious than a cold – the cold virus only affects the nose, throat and upper chest and lasts for a few days. The flu is a more serious illness which affects the whole body and lasts for longer. You get a high fever, severe headache, muscle aches, sore throat, a cough, sometimes a runny nose and lack of energy that may persist for two or more weeks. Unfortunately being fit and healthy will not protect you from the flu, but vaccination provides good protection because the vaccine is adapted each year to target the strains of influenza which are dominant. Some people worry that the vaccine can give them the flu. This is not possible because it does NOT contain any live virus. It uses fragments of the virus to stimulate your body’s immune system to make antibodies to protect itself. Because it takes up to two weeks for this immunity to develop, having your flu injection as soon as possible is the best approach. It offers protection for up to 12 months. It is free for over 65s, pregnant women and people with chronic illness. For others (especially if you plan to be travelling) it is cheap insurance against serious illness. Flu vaccine is available now! Call for your appointment 03 443 0725
Call: 443 0725 www.aspiringmedical.co.nz 23 Cardrona Valley Road, Wanaka
Alchemy for Dinner Read our reviews and book online now
Open 8am till late daily
LIKE NEWS
SHARE STORIES facebook.com/wanakasun
PAGE 5
Sun News
Effect change by making a submission I’ve seen quite a few conversations on Facebook recently about recycling collections, the Hawea recycling depot, and glass picked up for recycling going to landfill in both Alexandra and Wanaka. Facebook is a great way to let off steam, but it doesn’t often get your views in front of the people making the decisions. However, right now there is a brief opportunity to directly influence council’s decisions on future waste reduction initiatives, recycling and rubbish collections. The Waste Minimisation and Management Plan is open for submissions and we won’t get another chance like this for six years. This is the plan which sets the council’s priorities for waste, including new expenditure. It’s run in conjunction with the Ten Year Plan, but submissions for the Waste Minimisation and Management Plan are still open until April 30. In Wastebusters’ view, the draft Waste Minimisation and Management Plan is lacking the bold approach which the council has committed to in the Ten Year Plan. There is no vision about how to move our district towards zero waste. More and more people are sick of throwing out so much rubbish, and want change. They are changing their own habits by doing things like reducing food waste, composting and using reusable bags. Just last weekend, over 70 people came to the Rubbish Trip workshop that Wastebusters hosted to get tips on how to live without a rubbish bin. But individuals can’t change our throw-away culture on their own. We need a commitment to waste reduction from local government as well as central government and a partnership approach. That means articulating a bold vision of how we can work towards zero waste in the Queenstown Lakes region, and money committed to creating change. The two council priorities identified in the draft plan are reducing organic waste to landfill and better recycling in Queenstown. These are good so far as
they go, but they still buy into the paradigm of the council taking waste away and paying lots of money to deal with it, rather than reducing it at source. Of course, it goes without saying that we need to stop sending glass collected for recycling in Queenstown to the landfill. It’s an embarrassing situation for everyone in our district, especially for businesses who cater to tourists expecting Queenstown to be an exemplar of “clean and green”. Future contracts have to be written in a way which avoids facing this kind of breakdown of service by specifying the outcome of the recycling process, rather than just the collection. The recycled material has to be usable in a new production process, otherwise you can’t really call it recycling. And while getting value for money is always a priority, sometimes by choosing the lowest cost service, you’re shooting yourself in the foot. This is our chance to help decide how our district is going to tackle waste for the next six years. Tell the council what you think of their current services and the other recycling, reuse and green waste services provided by business and community enterprise in our area. Remember to tell them about the things you like too, so they help fund more of those. It’s easy to get focused on the negative, but we also want to nurture and expand the positive initiatives to reduce waste in our district, whether they’re funded by council or not. So if you’ve got something to say about waste, get it off your chest by making a submission because your views are going to help shape what we do about waste in our district. Wastebusters currently delivers Enviroschools and Zero Waste education in schools and the Dr Compost project under contract to Queenstown Lakes District Council. All other Wastebusters services are funded independently through Wastebusters’ business activities. – By Gina Dempster Wanaka Wastebusters
thewanakasun.co.nz
Rabbit virus working REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Tests from field samples in Otago indicate mortality as a result of the RHDV1 K5 rabbit virus. Otago Regional Council (ORC) expects the virus to spread in a 20km radius from each of the 100 release sites throughout Otago over the next couple of months, which will cover the majority of the region. ORC’s director of environmental monitoring and operations Scott MacLean said while this was excellent news, the virus would not be widespread at this stage. “There’s a difference between the natural spread of the virus that’s been released now, and the illegal release back in 1997. “If a virus isn’t left to spread naturally
you’ll see a big impact at the start but this will drop off quickly. If it’s left to spread naturally you’ll see the peak around four weeks after the release, and we’re close to that timeframe now. It will continue to spread for 12-14 weeks after it’s been released,” he said. The K5 virus is spread through rabbitto-rabbit contact and flies acting as a vector, and land owners are reminded to leave any rabbit carcasses in place so the virus can take hold biologically. “Human intervention can potentially result in rabbits becoming immune to the virus,” Scott said. Traditional rabbit management methods will not be replaced by the virus, and secondary control is important to keep rabbit numbers down. Information can be found on the ORC website.
Bullock Creek planting day REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Te Kakano’s next restoration planting day at Bullock Creek wetlands, organised in association with Otago Fish & Game and the Wanaka Residents Association, will be held this Saturday (April 21) from 10am to 12pm. Otago Fish & Game initiated the project in 2016 with Te Kakano to help restore the wetland area near
the source of Bullock Creek. The project required an initial clean-up of the wetland before re-vegetation with native plants, which will keep the creek clean, could begin. Access to the wetland will be via the Stone Street entrance, opposite the day care centre, with participants meeting near the creek in the south west corner. Sturdy boots or gumboots will be required in the area, with morning tea and tools provided.
FOR OUR FUTURE HAVE YOUR SAY ABOUT OUR PROPOSED PLAN FOR THE NEXT TEN YEARS
FOR OUR FUTURE ROADSHOW See yoursay.orc.govt.nz for the roadshow schedule for the rest of Otago.
COMMUNITY MEETING
WANAKA Thursday, 26 April 2018 Edgewater Summit Room 7pm
HAVE YOUR SAY ONLINE Head to our new engagement platform at yoursay.orc.govt.nz to find out more, see other roadshow details, and have your say.
LOOK OUT FOR YOUR CONSULTATION BOOKLET INSIDE YOUR MOUNTAIN SCENE TODAY. Includes a feedback form for those who prefer to have their say in writing.
PAGE 6
THURSDAY 19.04.18 - WEDNESDAY 25.04.18
THE WANAKA SUN
Sun News
thewanakasun.co.nz
COMMUNITY NETWORKS WANAKA Help and advice
Building a healthy and resilient community Murray K Kate Community Networks Manager
How do we contribute to the social fabric of our community? Alongside our social well-being hub, the team at Community Networks is involved in a range of community action groups which are about building a healthy and resilient community. One of these is the Wanaka Alcohol Group (WAG), which works towards ‘empowering the community to make positive choices for healthy lifestyles.’ Community momentum around youth and alcohol Most teens obtain alcohol from a parent, caregiver or other family member. Research shows that the younger the teen starts drinking, the more likely it is that they go on to drink harmfully in their late teens and adult life. Brains that are still developing are more susceptible to alcohol-related harm. For young people aged 15 – 17, the safest option is to delay drinking for as long as possible. We all have a role to play in making change and it can start with conversations within the families, recreation groups and workplaces. The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 states: It is illegal to supply alcohol to anyone under 18 years old unless: a) the person supplying the alcohol is their parent or legal guardian and the alcohol is supplied in a responsible manner or b) the person supplying alcohol has the express consent of the teenager’s parent or legal guardian and the alcohol is supplied in a responsible manner. This can be in the form of an email, text or phone call.
If we are choosing to give alcohol to our young people, let’s think about what responsible means? You could be fined up to $2000 if you don’t follow the law. If you do supply alcohol, give only small amounts and make sure you or someone you know or trust is watching your teenagers when they consume alcohol. For further information, visit mtaspiring.school.nz/students-andfamilies/parenting-101 and the WAG Facebook page. We also take a lead in the Champion for Older Persons Group – this is about looking after the needs of our older people in the community. A lot of people who live in Wanaka don’t have family around and really miss the contact with the older generation. The aim of the Companionship project run by Community Networks is to bring people of different ages together. How well do you know the road rules? Staying Safe is a free, informal workshop organised by Age Concern and run by a trained facilitator specifically offering refreshed driving knowledge for older people. It will provide updates of rules and regulations and promote safer road use. For enquiries or to book, call Marie Roxburgh on 03 448 7075 or email central@ageconcernnotago.co.nz. Thanks to funding from the Elsie and Ray Armstrong Charitable Trust, Community Networks can offer oneto-one computer lessons to people over 60 years old in their own home or in a place of their choice, using their own device. Phone 443 7799 to register your interest.
Economic sustainability documentary to screen REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Jeremy Rifkin’s documentary ‘The Third Industrial Revolution – A New Story for the Human Family’ will be shown at Cinema Paradiso on May 3 and 4. The Sustainable Business Network, Generation Zero and the Resource Management Law Association have been organising screenings of the documentary throughout New Zealand, which has encouraged discussion around the wider issues related to climate change and sustainability with business, community and local government groups. Local entrepreneur Monique Kelly, who is helping to bring the film to Wanaka, said the documentary would provide the community with an opportunity to continue the debate started at Aspiring Conversations. “Challenges such as climate change, increased inequality and the need for a bold new economic vision were high on the agenda and raised by a number
THE WANAKA SUN
TeHight on tour REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz TeHight is kicking off a nationwide tour this weekend to promote its new full length album, Divine Crushing Hand. TeHight is made up of founder Glenn “Gman” Hight, bassist Corban Taylor, drummer Mark Pollard and local musician Matt Lehood, whose guitar and vocal skills added the depth and harmonies that define the band’s sound. TeHight released its first EP, Te Hight - A Roxperience, in 2015 and recorded its 2018 album in Wanaka. Self-taught musician Gman said he was excited about the band’s new energy. “We’ve really got four like-minds in the same room now. There’s an awesome synergy we have when we’re playing and writing, and that’s creating some really exciting sounds,” he said. They are releasing the album one track at a time
PHOTO: supplied
through iTunes and Bandcamp, and will be playing the new tracks at various South Island venues before travelling to Mangawhai and Auckland in early January.
New firearms training programme REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz First-time firearms licence applicants will face a practical component from July this year as part of changes to the programme. “The current theory-based programme has successfully run for many years and Police is grateful for the many hours put in by volunteer instructors in support of their communities. Over the recent years, Police and the firearms community have seen the need for a practical component to contribute towards improved safety outcomes,” acting superintendent Mike McIlraith said. Following the government procurement process, NZ Police has signed a two-year trial programme contract with the Mountain Safety Council to provide
firearms safety practical training on its behalf. “This enhanced training programme for firsttime firearms licence applicants is part of Police’s work towards improved safety outcomes. “Police wants all people to be safe and feel safe, this is especially important when firearms are being used,” the acting superintendent said. Mountain Safety Council CEO Mike Daisley said they developed a training framework after extensive feedback from face-to-face meetings in every region of New Zealand that currently has firearms safety training. “The new system will deliver higher levels of consistency and bring new firearms users up to speed more effectively,” he said. The new programme has a theory component that must be passed and a practical component where the applicant must achieve a required standard.
Firefighters issue safety warnings BUTLER D DANIELLE newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz Firefighters are urging people to remain vigilant as the weather cools, fire season opens and the fire risk level drops to moderate. The warning comes following a spate of wildfires throughout the country. “It might look green, but this can be deceptive. There is still often dead vegetation from summer remaining beneath the new green growth which a fire can spread through,” said Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s rural region manager Richard McNamara. Reminders for people to check their smoke alarms
of speakers including Jacinda Ardern, Mary Robinson, Ngaire Woods and Jeanette Fitzsimmons. “What we need to address is how does this transition apply to us at the local level and what can we do to better ride the challenges to come,” she said. The Third Industrial Revolution is a long-term economic sustainability plan to address the challenges of the global economic crisis, energy security and climate change. It was formally endorsed by the European Parliament in 2007 and has been implemented by various agencies within the European Commission. “Wanaka is unique in that we have a highly involved community, with a number of groups that are actively working towards solving parts of the problem. What we need to do is do a stocktake of that action, see how we can support these initiatives, where the gaps are, what pain points do we have and what small steps can we take now that can lead to greater steps in the future.” THURSDAY 19.04.18 - WEDNESDAY 25.04.18
are also being issued, although figures revealed that only half of the 3143 homes falling victim to house fires last year had one. Wanaka’s chief fire officer Garth Campbell said that Wanaka and the surrounding area was good with smoke alarms on the whole. “Most people have them hooked up, but there’s always room for improvement,” he said. He added that it was a good idea to check smoke alarm batteries every six months around the time of daylight savings. “A lot of them have long-life ten-year batteries now, but when it gets cold and drops below 5°C they become less reliable. It’s easy to check, you just have to push the button,” he said.
50 Anderson Road, Wanaka P: 03 443 2102 or 0800 367 372 W: www.activefurnishers.co.nz E: wanaka@activefurnishers.co.nz
PAGE 7
Sun News
thewanakasun.co.nz
Opinion
QLDC Mayor Jim Boult focuses on the issues facing Wanaka and Surrounds.
Time to plan for waste boult J Jim QLDC Mayor
Our district is world renowned for its clean mountain air, stunning landscapes and crystal clear water. This is why it’s such a popular place to live and explains, in part, why we continue to be the fastest growing area in New Zealand. Unsurprisingly, sustainability and how we deal with our waste are issues our community is very passionate about. Waste management is something that is continuing to grow in importance as our population increases, and it’s something this Council takes very seriously. As such, I feel it’s important to draw your attention to the draft Waste Minimisation and Management Plan (WMMP) that is currently out for public consultation. I know many of you feel strongly on the subject and want to make sure you take this opportunity to have your say. With the aspirational goal of ‘working towards zero waste and a sustainable district’, the Waste Minimisation and Management Plan charts the course for how QLDC approaches this important goal for the next six years. QLDC has a good track record when it comes to how we deal with our waste, but there is always
room for improvement – glass recycling in the Wakatipu Ward being an obvious issue, alongside how we deal with organic waste. While glass collected in the Wanaka Ward is recycled, at present glass collected in the Wakatipu kerbside recycling collection is sent to landfill. This is because (unlike Wanaka) it isn’t sorted at the kerb meaning it is of low value and unable to be sold. Under the proposed plan we would aim to change how glass is collected to provide consistency across the district, whilst improving our ability to recycle glass on the whole. An increased focus on recycling organics in this proposal is also particularly important to deal with the high volume of organic waste currently going to landfill. If the draft plan is adopted, this could be expanded in time to include kerbside organic recycling and would support QLDC’s current discounted composting options available to ratepayers. Council genuinely wants to know what you think about the WMMP, so please take the time to read it and make a submission on our website. If you want to have your say you can do so on at qldc.govt.nz. Submissions close 30 April. I sincerely look forward to helping put the plan into action.
Otago house prices up Skate park fundraiser
PHOTO: supplied
REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz The median house price for New Zealand rose 1.8 percent in March 2018 to reach a new record high of $560,000 up from $550,000 in March 2017, according to the latest data from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ). Median prices for New Zealand, excluding Auckland, increased by 6.2 percent year-on-year to a record high of $460,000. There was also a strong increase in price in Otago, up 11.1 percent to $405,500. Bindi Norwell, REINZ chief executive said, “March was a very strong month from a price perspective with record prices achieved for New Zealand, New Zealand excluding Auckland, Gisborne, the Hawke’s Bay and Wellington. Looking at the whole country, median house prices increased in 13 out of 16 regions – the only regions not to experience an increase were Northland, Auckland and Taranaki. The number of properties sold in March across the country fell by 9.9 percent when compared to the same time last year with 7768 properties sold in comparison
REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: Wanaka Sun
to 8622 in March 2017. Otago had the largest regional year-on-year decline, down 19.1 percent. Bindi said it was just one month’s worth of data following two solid months of sales, “so we’re not overly concerned about this month’s volume.” The median number of days to sell a property nationally increased by a day from 33 days in March 2017 to 34 days in March 2018. However, the region with the biggest increase in the median number of days to sell was Otago, increasing by six days to 30 days. The monthly REINZ residential sales reports are based on actual sales reported by real estate agents.
A Wanaka Skate Club (WSC) fundraiser has yielded $840 for the non-profit organisation. “The Lions Club came down to the skatepark with a group of about five very happy souls and cooked a lunch of sausages for the punters at the event,” said Wayne Pretty, vice president of WSC. The sausage sizzle raised $340, which the Lions Club topped up to $500 to donate to WSC for the proposed skatepark extension and restoration. “Including the money raised by the skate club, the total for the day was around $840. It was an amazing turnout of skaters, local faces and more than a few very intrigued passing tourists,” Wayne said. “All the people involved in the day
were unpaid, passionate people who really get a kick out of seeing so many happy faces and the great facility being used to its potential. We are truly grateful to the Lions Club and all the other local companies for getting behind the event.” The skate club’s goal is to hold regular events in the area to promote the club and raise funds. “We are very lucky with the local skateboarding community here in Wanaka. We can have an eight-yearold and a 40-year-old who don’t know each other at all, but once they see each other try tricks again and again with one or both of them finally getting it, all barriers are broken and and high fives are flying everywhere.” Pictured: Bob Fellows of the Lions Club Wanaka hands over a cheque for $500 to Wayne Pretty of the Wanaka Skate Club.
Men's & Woman's Winter leagues
Team Registrations 7pm May 1st $650 per team Wanaka Recreation Centre
May 29th
Season Starts BONUS!
With a new mini tanker based in Central we can service all your home heating needs.
BONUS!
Discounted competitive pricing.
Wanaka Basketball
Call us today for your free comparsion quote.
for more info visit: www.facebook.com/groups/wanakabasketball
PAGE 8
THURSDAY 19.04.18 - WEDNESDAY 25.04.18
YOUR AD WILL REACH THE MOST LOCALS ONLINE IN
thewanakasun.co.nz
www.wanakabasketball.co.nz
THE WANAKA SUN
Sun News
thewanakasun.co.nz
Plane passenger carried measles REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Canterbury District Health Board has confirmed a sixth person has been infected with measles. A 20-year-old woman from Queenstown travelled while infectious on the following Air New Zealand flights: NZ5642 from Queenstown to Christchurch, departing 8.20am on Saturday April 7, and NZ5653 from Christchurch to Queenstown, departing 3pm on Monday April 9. Anyone who travelled on either of these flights should check their immunisation status with their family doctor. If not immunised against measles, they may become unwell this week and should phone their doctor for advice. District Health Boards are reiterating that anyone who thinks they may have measles should not go to their general practice or turn up at an emergency
department as they will risk infecting more people. Instead, they need to phone their GP for advice or contact Healthline 0800 611 116, which is free and available 24 hours a day. “Measles is a highly infectious viral illness spread by contact with respiratory secretions through coughing and sneezing. The best protection from measles is to be fully immunised with the MMR vaccine. This means two doses of the vaccine,” said Southern DHB medical officer of health Dr Keith Reid. “With the school holidays here, and more families travelling around the country, it is especially important to be vaccinated against measles. If you are unsure, there is no danger is getting an additional dosage. The vaccine is available from general practices and is free to eligible persons.” Over the past two weeks, six cases of measles have been confirmed in Queenstown, Wanaka, Canterbury and Nelson-Marlborough.
PHOTO: supplied
Students teach tech Closing in on feral cats skills to seniors REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Regulations on the need to inform landowners and householders when baits are laid to kill feral cats may be changed if an application to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is approved. Connovation Ltd is proposing that landowners and householders should be notified when PredaSTOP baits are being laid as part of a feral cat control operation if their property is within 500m of any bait station, instead of the current 3km requirement. PredaSTOP, manufactured by Connovation, is the only registered toxin for feral cat control in New Zealand. Connovation said in its application that the 3km notification distance is unrealistic and derived from
a study that showed one cat travelled 2.29km from its owner’s home. The same study showed the average distance cats travelled was 200m. Connovation said data from a range of studies suggested a 500m notification distance was sufficient to protect domestic cats. Other existing controls set by the EPA would remain unaltered. These include advising owners and householders of the location and approximate dates of the baits being laid, the name and nature of the substance being used, the risks to domestic animals and available antidotes. Contact details for the person laying the baits must also be provided. The EPA is seeking public submissions on the application, with details on how to put one forward available on the its website. Submissions close at 5pm on Friday May 25.
New U3A established REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
A new University of the Third Age group was established in Wanaka at a public meeting on April 12. The new group, Mt Aspiring U3A, will have a different operating model than the existing Upper Clutha U3A. It will combine group activities with meetings of small, highly interactive, specialist study groups. Those groups of 10 to 12 people will cover areas
as diverse as astronomy, the history of medicine, freshwater science and a ladies’ walking group. The topics will evolve to meet the range of interests of the group’s members. The primary objective of the group is to provide the opportunity for residents to meet regularly in a mentally and socially stimulating environment. The first meeting will be held in May.
REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Residents at Aspiring Lifestyle Retirement Village (ALRV) are becoming tech-savvy with the help of Mount Aspiring College’s Students in the Community. Techy Tuesdays, a series of workshop sessions for seniors to learn how to use mobile phones, tablets and computers, was started by MAC students Maggie Little and Toby Balls. The pair met with ALRV activities coordinator Toni Mason to work out a proposal that would suit the needs of the residents. “With technology becoming more dominant in our daily lives, we thought it was important to keep senior citizens in the loop. You can do so much on your device, and it’s important to know how to use it,” Maggie said. Toby said he was in agreement. “Having spent my whole life growing up around technology, it’s not surprising that older generations aren’t quite as tech-savvy as we are. We thought that if we have knowledge to share, and some free time, why not share what we know with those who
want to know?” Students Jacinta Page, Kate Binns and Eliza Rogers also help out with the programme and the focus is on teaching the residents what they want to learn. Resident Judy Briggs has learned how to attach photographs to emails to send to her friends, while another resident, Margaret Hall, said she’d learned how to put a smiley face in a message. “But mine isn’t a smiley face, it’s just eyes and a mouth... And I’ve learned I need a new phone,” she said. The Students in the Community programme has been running for 22 years at the college. It tasks all Year 13 students with voluntarily making a positive difference in the Upper Clutha community. Coordinator Liz Breslin said she was very impressed with how the group had created and owned the Techy Tuesday project. “Right from the get-go, they’ve been hugely motivated and articulate and organised. It’s so awesome to see them using their talents to help people learn to be better connected,” she said. Pictured: Toby Balls and Binnie Hawkins.
FREE COMPUTER LESSONS FOR OLDER PEOPLE (over 60’s) Does your computer/tablet/smartphone refuse to do what you want?
Commercial Sales Vice Food, 35 Plantation Road •
Community Networks would like to offer one-toone computer lessons in your own home or in a place of your choice, using your own device. Phone Community Networks on 443 7799 to register your interest. Jonathan will contact you to arrange lessons. Thank you to the Elsie and Ray Armstrong Charitable Trust for the funding to make this possible.
Coffee caravan $129,000 Plus GST (if any)
Sassy Pants, Spencer House Mall •
NEED A PLUMBER FOR YOUR BUILD? Due to projects being postponed, we have upcoming availability for new house builds, renovations or maintenance work. Optum provide a total package service including plumbing, central heating, gas fitting and solar. We also provide a consultation service to architects and designers.
Popular lingerie and sleep-wear shop $149,000 Plus GST (if any)
Contact us to discuss your project: P. 03 443 5718 E. info@optum.co.nz A. 60 Anderson Rd (Wanaka Branch) A. 135 Glenda Drive (Queenstown Branch)
Call our commercial team today
WWW.THEWANAKASUN.CO.NZ THE WANAKA SUN
Duncan Good
Anna Findlay
Ray White Wanaka 03 443 8912 1 Helwick Street, Wanaka wanaka.nz@raywhite.com www.rwwanaka.com Wanaka Real Estate Ltd (Licensed REAA (2008)
THURSDAY 19.04.18 - WEDNESDAY 25.04.18
PAGE 9
OPEN GRADE GRASSROOTS TOUR
2018
The boys, coaches and parents would like to thank our tour sponsors and individual player sponsors for their generous support. We couldn’t do it without such great community spirit!
Niall Alexander
Josh Allison
Isaac Beale
Henry Bowering
Jamie Burdon
Jackson Clark Clark’s Building Services
Jacob Field
Bradley Gendall Grant Concrete Pump Services
Archie Goodall
Morris Gordon
Jake Green
Ben Hawkins Cardrona Outfitters
Gustav Legnavsky
Riley McRae
Mum
Tyler Mcgregor Carol & Jason Monk
Cobi Millar
Kyle Millar
Kalan Nichol
Gold and Platinum Sponsors:
Currie Plumbers Currie Plumbers Certifying Certifying PLUMBERS PLUMBERS GASFITTERS GASFITTERS DRAINLAYERS DRAINLAYERS
Jason
Jason currieplumbers@clear.net.nz
currieplumbers@clear.net.nz
Jonty Keenan
3
Cullen Meyer
2
4
Stu Scott
1 7
5 6
Wanaka
Henry O’Brien
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 PAGE 10
Fox Glacier Greymouth Hokitika Hanmer Springs Geraldine Pleasant Point Omarama
Caelan Purnell
Charlie Scurr Wanaka Greenwaste and Landscaping Supplies
Tom Sides
COACHES:
Wayne Green Julian Field Andy Keenan Hugo Sinclair
Hunter Tuck Dion Gosling
THURSDAY 19.04.18 - WEDNESDAY 25.04.18
Clarke West
Hill End Holdings Building THE WANAKA SUN
Sun Views
thewanakasun.co.nz
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Keeping Hawea beautiful
Dear editor, Yes please, let’s keep Hawea beautiful. Mr Hocking, have you ever experienced living in Hawea? How could you possibly know what people in Hawea feel and wish for? NZ visitors who stay at our guest accommodation frequently tell us they stay in Hawea for the ‘kiwiana bach feel’ and that Wanaka has lost its charm. Overseas visitors are often surprised to find Wanaka so busy and congested with cars, but they are glad they found Hawea. It would be wonderful to have a developer who listened to the concerns of the community, to honour boundaries and limits set down, (like in the 2020 plan), to purchase land with the purpose of sustainability and integrity, rather than maximising it for personal profit down to the last blade of grass, and boundaries to the tightest peg possible. Why is it that animals live and feed within their boundaries but people can’t? Humans devour much and greed is the problem. Hawea is not compatible with shoebox-size sections and squishing people in. We do not live in Europe. Mr Hocking, let’s go for larger lots please, if you must. We don’t want to be under the bulldozer spell to which there is no return and Hawea becomes another small town statistic lost to intense development. Mindful management and keeping the ethos of space in Hawea is key. Jo More Lane Hocking of Universal Developments responds: We believe the proposal will - provide a mix of lot sizes and house products to compliment the existing community - provide additional supply to address the acute affordability challenges facing the district The 2020 plan was created in 2003 and a lot has changed since then - we need to be looking beyond 2020 now. Development done well will ensure this generation and future generations can live in and appreciate this fantastic location.
Sponsored by
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Freedom camping concerns increase Several residents have contacted the Wanaka Sun - and the council - about freedom campers parking up for the night at playgrounds, beaches and under trees. The following are just a few of the recent complaints: Mike asked the question “freedom campers or locals?” of the people who had spent the night at Penrith Park beach and left rubbish and broken glass strewn on the ground. Mark emailed us his frustration too, “At night I walk my dog along waterfall creek. And I see freedom campers. I leave messages with QLDC and email them that same night. In the morning I walk the same walk, and guess what? The freedom campers are still there. Are QLDC volunteers??” And Jonathan sent us photos of freedom campers, and the rubbish they left behind, at Albert Town’s McMurdo Park.
Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean and Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis clash on freedom camping as Dean criticises the government’s decision to set up a working group to deal with the issue (Wanaka Sun, April 12, “Dean, Davis clash on freedom camping”).
Cec: Hello!!!!!! National has had years to address the freedom camping issue & at least Labour is making an effort. Shame on you Jacqui as this is politics at its worst. I’m not necessarily a National or Labour supporter, I’m just sick of the belittling that goes on with our MP’s. John: Hello Jacqui Dean this is why most of us are lethargic to politicians. Your government ignored the problem. Tourists generally cover all New Zealand, any action on “freedom “ camping needs to be set across all NZ. Most people would agree that irrespective of where you travel in this country laybys, scenic car parks, reserves, lake front spaces etc fill up most evenings with sub-standard “campers”. Unfortunately this is also bringing into disrepute purpose-built self-contained campers and responsible campers. I accept only a small proportion of campers fill the “dirty” category but unfortunately the evidence against them is getting knee deep, whilst proper campgrounds are nearly empty at night. Action required urgently!!!! Daphne: National MP trying to make herself relevant Otago was ignored for nine years by the previous govt as they knew their voters would still blindly vote National now they are starting to be scared some may change their minds come next election.
Don: The commercial camping grounds are keeping very quiet. No wonder; it is a win-win situation for them. They are laughing all the way to the bank. If they reduced their exorbitant charges maybe we wouldn’t have this problem.
Don: The commercial camping grounds are keeping very quiet. No wonder; it is a win-win situation for them. They are laughing all the way to the bank. If they reduced their exorbitant charges maybe we wouldn’t have this problem. John: National had 9 years to deal with this, and no it’s not a new problem, it’s been in the news for at least 3 years....
John: You wouldn’t s#*t in your own back garden, so why should you be allowed to s#*t in someone else’s!!
Jon: National created the problem with their illconceived attempt to streamline visitors during the Rugby World Cup. The Freedom Camping Act was intended to expire after the rugby but that was done away with.
The Wanaka Sun asked the Queenstown Lakes District Council to respond to their concerns. A spokesperson for the council said: “We patrol all of these areas every morning, seven days a week, and a number of them are patrolled twice daily – both in the evening and in the morning. Due to safety concerns, our officers don’t wake up people camped in vehicles to move them on, but will issue them with a $200 fine for camping in a prohibited area. This year alone, our enforcement officers have issued 592 tickets for freedom camping in the Upper Clutha area. Ideally we would issue none, as everyone would respect the rules, sadly this isn’t the case.”
Kelvin: There should be no freedom camping; go to camping grounds; problem solved. Elizabeth: Although it has been a problem for a while, it really only came to a head this summer. A working party or whatever you’re calling it is a joke. It’s very simple; no on-board facilities, you must go to a campground.
Wanaka Skin Cancer Clinic
Rebecca: Jacqui Dean has never done anything for her electorate. How the hell she keeps getting in is beyond me.
Book your 30 minute appointment and see our GP’s who specialise in skin and skin cancer management. Biopsies can be taken and liquid nitrogen treatment is available if necessary. We will photograph and record anything of concern for reference so we can monitor any changes in your skin over time.
ph: (03) 443 0710 23 Cardrona Valley Road, Wanaka www.wanakamedical.co.nz
THE WANAKA SUN
THURSDAY 19.04.18 - WEDNESDAY 25.04.18
PAGE 11
Sun Classifieds
panelbeating
TRADES AND SERVICES
Approved repairer for all the major insurance companies
GW Logo Paths.indd 1
PAGE 12
Automotive glass replacement and repairs
HEADLIGHT
RESTORATION SPECIALISTS
Call us on (03) 443 1613 for more details Or pop in to our workshop – 27 Gordon Road Wanaka slakespanel@xtra.co.nz • www.southernlakespanel.co.nz
PLUMBING Serving Wanaka and Central Otago Regions Call for free no obligation quotes
DRAINAGE
M: 021 709 918
l
PLUMBING
l
GAS FITTING
W: www.gwplumbing.co.nz
TRADES & SERVICES ADVERTS FROM
$36 +GST
free classifieds text 0220 786 778 BY 5:00PM MONDAY
Due to the popularity of our free classifieds, listings are given on a first come, first served basis. There is a limit of 20 words and free classifieds are for non commercial personal advertising. Whilst we make every possible effort to include your advert we cannot guarantee inclusion.
FOR COMMERCIAL LISTINGS
CALL 443 5252
thewanakasun.co.nz
storage
BEDDINGS
Clean, dry, safe storage available now. Lockbox Self Storage, 12 Gordon Road, Wanaka, Ph: 021 242 1630.
The Salvation Army Family Store urgently requires donations of warm bedding, if you have some to spare we would love it.
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. Cut rags (100% cotton) and drop cloths, only $7 for a big bag. Now in the yard container at Wastebusters. Open 9-5 seven days. 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.
Services Wanaka Pharmacy is your local pharmacy. We’re the big pharmacy at the top of Helwick Street - open from 8am until 7pm every single day. Ph 443 8000 FREE LEGAL ADVICE available at Community Networks delivered by the Dunedin Community Law Centre on Wednesday 2 May. Please call Community Networks on 443 7799 to book your appointment. FREE COMPUTER LESSONS FOR OLDER PEOPLE - Community Networks is offering one-on-one lessons on your own device. Thursday afternoons. If you are interested please call in to our office or phone for an appointment 03 443 7799.
Would a weekly visitor and a bit of companionship enhance your life? We have volunteers who would like to meet a senior to share stories Wanted or take you for an outing. If you are interested The Salvation Army Family Store urgently please contact Community Networks 03 443 requires donations of warm bedding, if you have 7799 or contact project coordinator, Anscilaine, some to spare we would love it. on championforolderpeople@gmail.com Wanted by the Salvation Army Family Store, if JP SERVICES are available at Community any one has any spare pillow cases we would love Networks every Tuesday from 1pm and Friday them, please just drop them into the store, thanks. from 10.30am. Please book your appointment The Salvation Army Family store would like used by ringing Community Networks 03 443 7799. glass spice jars with lids, to donate these please just pop them into the store in Brownston Street. INLAND REVENUE are at Community Networks, Wednesday 23 May. If you need help Volunteers required at The Salvation Army with your Tax return, Family Tax credits or any Family store if you have some free time and other enquiry give Community Networks a call on would like to be part of a team which makes a 03 443 7799 to make an appointment for this difference, come and see us. free service.
10/26/2017 11:38:28 AM
Would you like to help with our community’s Meals on Wheels service? We’re looking for more Thanks to everyone who comes to Wastebusters volunteer drivers to help deliver meals around to donate goods, shop and recycle. Your support town. If you’d like to know more please visit our helps us work for zero waste and a resourceful office or website (www.communitynetowrks. community. co.nz) or give us a call: 443 7799.
Thanks
more bang
for your buck Target more of your target market with our huge online presence and unrivalled local print distribution.
FOR bookings CALL 03 443 5252 | 021 786 740 marketing@thewanakasun.co.nz
water damage restoration
THURSDAY 19.04.18 - WEDNESDAY 25.04.18
THE WANAKA SUN
Sun Classifieds
thewanakasun.co.nz
employment
EVERY LETTERBOX EVERY THURSDAY
New Zealand Travel Specialist We are leaders in our field (selling NZ holidays!) and as such we are on the lookout for the very best sales people to join our awesome team in our lakefront office based right here in Wanaka. By best we mean not only are you motivated by targets, customers and friendly competition but you are also packed full of personality, as funny/ friendly as possible, super positive, slightly crazy and a hard worker! If that sounds a little bit like you then you’re already half way there! Here’s the other half (ok, it’s slightly more than half): • You can SELL and are hot off another sales role! • You’re a natural born leader. • You’re passionate about New Zealand. • You have a kiwi roll-up-your-sleeves, can-do, get it done, muck in, and have fun - kind of attitude. • You have a high level of common sense, which isn’t that common. • You possess super awesome communication and presentation skills. • You’re not scared of some weekend and public holiday work. • You’re open-minded & flexible (not in a yoga way though). • You have an ability to multitask yet still have attention to detail – not easy • You are a permanent resident in NZ. • You love getting a good base salary but are also really motivated by an exciting tiered monthly commission structure. So, does this sound a bit like you? If so send your C.V. and a covering letter to dionne@nzft.co.nz telling us why you are more awesome than all those others folk that apply.
Is your Wanaka Sun delivered every Thursday? If not, email your address to hello@thewanakasun.co.nz or phone us on 03 443 5252
Check us out here www.nzft.co.nz
SUN TEAM
DELTA IS THE SMART THINKING INFRASTRUCTURE SPECIALIST IN WANAKA’S ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES.
DELTA IS THE SMART THINKING INFRASTRUCTURE SPECIALIST IN INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER ENERGY AND ISSUEENVIRONMENTAL 866 SERVICES.
FreeCONTROL delivery to Wanaka, Cromwell and surrounds, PO boxes in WEED CONTROL WEED Makarora, Cromwell, Haast, Wanaka, Albert Town and Hawea.
On behalf of On behalf Alsoofdistributed to businesses in the Wanaka business district Queenstown Lakes Queenstown Lakes Average circulation: 15,000 weekly. District Council and District Council and Downer, Delta Utility Downer, Delta Utility Phone: 03 443to5252 • Fax: 03 443Services 5250 Ltd wishes to Services Ltd wishes advise residents of the advise residents of the Editor:Lakes Ruth Blunt • editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Queenstown Lakes Queenstown Districts Council of the Districts Council of the Journalists: intention to apply intention to apply Danielle Butler • newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz herbicides to Rob White • journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz herbicides to un-wanted weed un-wanted weed Glenda Turnbull • wanaksun@gmail.com growth and pest plants. growth and pest plants.
Social Media: Nikki Heath • hello@thewanakasun.co.nz This work is carried out This work is carried
as part of the road out as part of the road maintenance contract Advertising: 021 786 740 maintenance contract CT16-007 and includes CT16-007 and adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz roadsides and includes roadsides and footpaths. footpaths. Admin: Benn Ashford • 021 956 740 Work will commence on commence on admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Work will 24th January 2018. 24th January 2018.
Mail:
Delta Utility Services Ltd, PO Box 1404, Dunedin.
Public Notice DELTA IS THE SMART THINKING INFRASTRUCTURE SPECIALIST IN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES.
WEED CONTROL On behalf of Queenstown Lakes District Council and Downer, Delta Utility Services Ltd wishes to advise residents of the Queenstown Lakes Districts Council of the intention to apply herbicides to un-wanted weed growth and pest plants. This work is carried out as part of the road maintenance contract CT16-007 and includes roadsides and footpaths. Work will commence on 24th January 2018. Delta Utility Services Ltd, PO Box 1404, Dunedin.
PO Box 697, Wanaka Delta Utility Services Ltd, PO Box 1404, Dunedin.
Deadlines: Display Advertising 4pm Friday prior to publication. adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz 021 786 740
Classified Advertising 5pm Monday prior The Mirror (13x1) Text: 0220 786 778 admin@thewanakasun.co.nz
ODT (13x1)
Subscriptions: $175 within NZ (including GST) per year. Overseas rates on request. Remittances to PO Box 697, Wanaka, NZ.
Wanaka Sun (12x1)
LIKE NEWS SHARE
STORIES
facebook.com/ URL
______________________ With: _______________________________ Date:_______________________________ wanakasun tested:
WWW.THEWANAKASUN.CO.NZ
WANAKA SUN singTHE proof 2017
Public Notice
TIMARU CREEK Possum control operation High Country Contracting Ltd wishes to advise that a ground-based and aerial broadcast possum control operation will be taking place to keep possum numbers under control to prevent the spread of bovine TB. This operation will be conducted as a part of the TBfree New Zealand programme. Areas covered: The area known as Timaru Creek extends from Lake Hawea lake faces, east into the headwaters of the Timaru River and onto the lower slopes of Dingle Peak in the north. It includes the area between and just south of the Timaru River and extends north along the Lake Hawea lake faces to Rocky Point. Operation date: The operation will commence with the aerial application of non-toxic cereal pre-feed pellets. Following completion of pre-feeding, the aerial application of cereal pellets containing 1080 will commence on or after 1 May 2018, weather dependent. Ground control will follow immediately after aerial application is completed. Bait description: Feratox capsules to be placed in a peanut paste inside biodegradable blue bait bags and bait stations. Sodium fluoroacetate (1080) pellets will Closing date bechecked: used for the aerial broadcast and hand laid in the high country. revisions:
THURSDAY 19.04.18 25.04.18 1 2 -3WEDNESDAY 4 5 $0
PLEASE NOTE:
$0
$25 $50 $75
Pre-feed: Cereal based pellet, approximately 30mm long, (some coated with deer repellent) brown in colour. Toxic bait: Cereal based pellet, approximately 30mm long, (some coated in deer repellent) dyed green with a toxic loading of 1.5g/kg Sodium Fluoroacetate (1080) The public is warned to take care in these areas and not to remove carcasses or baits. Baits are dangerous to people and dogs. General warning • Do not touch poison baits/bait stations/traps • Do not touch poisoned possum carcasses • Keep pets under supervision • Do not leave children unattended • Follow the advice on the poison warning signs. If you suspect poisoning • Contact your local hospital, or dial 111 • National Poisons Centre 0800 POISON – 0800 764766 • In the case of a domestic animal being poisoned, contact a local veterinarian For further information (including maps of the operational area), contact High Country Contracting Ltd Tel. 021 194 6103 or 021 422 946 or email info@highcountrycontracting.co.nz
PAGE 13
Sun Sport
thewanakasun.co.nz
Curb tourist numbers in high country REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Fish & Game’s submission to the New Zealand Walking Access Commission’s report on South Island High Country Access calls for a curb in tourist numbers, saying the pressure is now so high it is harming the environment. Fish & Game New Zealand’s chief executive Martin Taylor said enjoying the outdoors is a fundamental right for all New Zealanders but the pressure from high volume tourism is affecting that enjoyment. “We believe something needs to be done to reduce visitor numbers until the required infrastructure to cope with them is built,” he said. “It’s not appropriate to let the current demand stay the same or grow before tackling the negative impact excessive tourism is having on both the environment
Mother's Day free gift A2 poster.pdf 1 20/02/2018 4:09:57 p.m.
and the average Kiwi’s traditional outdoor experience.” Martin said there has been a continuing increase in visiting overseas anglers wanting to enjoy this country’s trout fishing which is often in sensitive, back country areas. “While visiting anglers provide some economic benefit to the country, the pressure they put on the environment and New Zealanders’ own enjoyment of the resource can’t be ignored.” Martin Taylor said a more strategic approach is needed. “At the moment we’re struggling to play catchup. Like many things in New Zealand, we know something’s happening and then we just sit back and watch the problem grow for a decade before deciding it’s time to do something. “Sadly, this is what has been happening in tourism and the time for sitting back and watching is over.”
FREE GIFT MOTHER’S DAY
For any Avene purchase over $75*, receive a FREE gift: • 1 Avène wool storage basket
PHOTO: Wanaka Football News
Wanaka FC A into cup semi-final The first matches of the knockout round for the Central Otago Men’s Football League Cup were held last Saturday. The cup is contested by division one and two teams. In Alexandra, division one Wanaka FC A (Athletic) took on second division Alexandra B. Wanaka A had one of the easiest matches in this knockout round, scoring 12 goals against Alex B which was always going to struggle against this exciting division one team. Steve Pleskun scored four goals, Rory Hannon scored twice and Tim Zeestraten, Paul Hodgson, Alex Plimmer, Adam Hewson, Thomas Van Hees and Matt Carr also found the net. Steve Pleskun was the most valuable player. At the Wanaka Recreation Centre, division two team Wanaka FC Braves (pictured) took on fellow division two team and last week’s league opponents Queenstown Associated FC in a game of two halves. Queenstown dominated the first half and found way too many holes in the Braves defense, sending attack after attack at their goal. It was only the efforts of their goalie and MVP of the match, Victor Mejia, that kept them in the game for the first half, with the scoreline remaining 0-0 until the last minute when Queenstown finally found a way past him. With a couple of
• 1 Avène Thermal Spring Water 50mL • 2 Avène samples
*Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Excludes promotional and banded packs. Only while stocks last.
* Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Excludes promotional and banded packs.
Phone: 03 443 8000 Top of Helwick Street, Wanaka opening hours: 8am To 7Pm 7 DaYS PAGE 14
changes to their midfield, the Braves were much better in the second half and created more attacking chances for themselves, but Queenstown still found a way through and the back of the net twice more. A penalty kick to the Braves let them pull one goal back, but it wasn’t enough and saw the match end 3-1 to Queenstown. Unfortunately the other division two Wanaka team, Wanaka FC Youth, had to default to division one team Falcons due to a lack of players. This Saturday sees the return of league matches. At Wanaka Recreation Centre, Wanaka Braves take on Arrowtown at 12.45pm with the Braves looking for their first win of the season. At 2.45pm, Wanaka FC A take on Wakatipu in what should be a highly entertaining division one match. Over at Jacks point in Queenstown, Wanaka Youth are up against Queenstown AFC Rovers Classic at 12.45pm. On Sunday, Mount Aspiring College Boys 1st XI Football team was supposed to play John McGlashan College from Dunedin. But, as JMC had to pull out of the match, they will instead play a Wanaka AFC Sunday League Youth team at the Recreation Centre at 1pm. – By Wanaka Football News
sports results Netball Upper Clutha Yr12/13 25 v Mac Wellman 7. Silverthreads 33 v Mac Engineers 5. Cromwell B 45 v Wanaka Selection Pioneer 19. Yr11 Social 27 v Mac Lakeland 12. Cromwell A 39 v Mac A 20. Nulook Hawea 47 v Pioneer A 43. Stilh Shop Hawea 28 v Mountainside 14. The Camp Hawea 15 v Taylors 23. Pioneer B 34 v Dream Doors Hawea 16. Cromwell C 28 v Mac C 25. Yr9a 13 v Yr9/10b 12. Mac B 21 v Yr10a 25. Pioneer C 31 v Lake Bar 28. Wanaka Progressive Bowls 13.04.18 Skips 1 B Steel 2 T Tovey 3 A Moore Thirds 1 J Hogan 2 R Chartres 3 M Briggs Leads 1 J Hill 2 W Byers 3 J Rich Wanaka Bridge (Tues) 1st equal Gill Rich, Joan Pyle/Carolyn Field, Judy Briggs 57.94%. 3rd Hans Limacher, Claire Williams 55.56%. (Wed) N/S 1st Sally Goodall, Judy Briggs 63.27%. 2nd Hans Limacher, Claire Williams 60.38%. 3rd Noeline Munro, Lyn Hill 57.88%. E/W 1st Shona Watt, Blair Coghill 60.38%. 2nd Jane Hamilton, Miranda O’Leary 58.08%. 3rd Maureen Hawke, Alwyne Haworth 55% (Fri H/Cap) N/S 1st Tommie Munns, Morag Chisholm 56.41%. 2nd Alan Bunn, Claire Romeril 55.19%. 3rd Rosemary Boswell, Carol Orbell 54.50%. E/W 1st Dennis Pezaro, John Hogg 65.92%. 2nd Pam Miller, Ruth Coghill 57.44%. 3rd Barbara Waterworth, Joy Baxter 51.71%. (Mon) N/S 1st Heather Wellman, Mark Harry 62.36%. 2nd Deirdre Lynch, Allan Kelly 58.70%. 3rd Mary Gibson-Collings, Ken Saxby 55.80%. E/W 1st Clare Scurr, Terry Wilson 58.93%. 2nd Michael Metzger, AnnLouise Stokes 56.67%. 3rd Paul Cushnie, Maggie Stratford 55.47%
THURSDAY 19.04.18 - WEDNESDAY 25.04.18
THE WANAKA SUN
thewanakasun.co.nz
Sun Sport
Anderson wins supreme sports award
PHOTO: supplied
WHITE R ROB journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz PHOTO: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
Athletes react to race cut REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Dougal Allan and Laura Siddall are names synonymous with the Challenge Wanaka full distance event, with both triathletes featuring on the podium multiple times in the last few years. They both reacted with sadness at the news that the race, a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km run, will be cut from the programme in 2019 after a steady decline in entry numbers. Dougal is a professional endurance athlete who has won his hometown race twice and set a new overall course record in the full distance in 2017. “I believe the full distance event was worldrenowned as one of the hardest and most scenic triathlons on the planet,” he said. “It suited my strengths and I felt I could take on anyone on this course. However, I have to trust in the people who make these decisions and hope they are made with the best interests of the event and the town in mind. “We saw a very exciting pro race over the half distance this year and the event as a whole seemed well-supported. I just hope it continues into the future.” Laura Siddall, a British triathlete living in Christchurch, echoed his sentiments. “I’m incredibly sad and disappointed to see the full distance having been dropped. Challenge Wanaka full is world-renowned and iconic in the
beauty and nature of the course. It’s been voted the most scenic triathlon in the world. “It’s also the second oldest race in the Challenge Family portfolio, so has a huge amount of history and prestige as the event has been built up over the years.” Having placed second in the full distance event three times since 2015, she would have liked the opportunity to compete one last time, but she paid tribute to the community and its “incredible” volunteers. “Wanaka is an amazing place. I love returning every year and catching up again with friendly faces and all the locals who I’ve got to know over the years. I’ve stayed with some fantastic homestays over my four years of racing.” Both athletes may still line up the Challenge Wanaka half distance event next year, but only as a training exercise as they focus on other events. “The Coast to Coast and Ironman NZ are two events that are likely to become my focus in the next couple of years,” Dougal said. “I hope to still race Challenge Wanaka Half because I love the event, but it will very much become a supplementary race in my preparation of other events.” Pictured: Dougal Allan crossing the finish line to win the 2016 Challenge Wanaka full distance race.
Wanaka paddleboard star Annabel Anderson has been named the supreme winner at the House of Travel Central Otago Sports Awards. Annabel was honoured at the Friday night (April 13) ceremony, held at Edgewater in Wanaka, after a strong year in which she became the first female in history to reach the world number one spot in stand-up paddleboard (SUP) racing. The awards are based on sporting achievements in 2017 and after winning senior sportswoman of the year on the night, Annabel was eligible for the supreme award, known as the Bruce Grant Memorial trophy. Reaching world number one, combined with a Halberg Awards nomination, a seventh consecutive New Zealand national SUP championship title and wins in a host of international SUP events and three mountain biking races, meant she claimed the top prize. Annabel said she was honoured to receive the award after a difficult year. “2017 threw many a curve ball in my direction, with some significant challenges that had to be overcome on a regular basis to front up and perform week after week. Taking it day by day and week by week formed an approach that culminated in an incredible year that included many an injury sustained in the course of duty. “Central Otago continues to raise
and pump out athletes of insane talent on the international stage, many of whom have also been deservedly recognised. To be recognised at home is an incredible honour. “With [a] strong culture of grassroots sport, underground and international events staged locally, a world class backyard that can only be described as nature’s paradise moulding the athletes we produce, our future is extremely bright,” she said. There was more success on the night for Wanaka, with snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott picking up the junior sportswoman award. Zoi won three World Cup events and was named NZ Snowboarder of the Year and Overall Athlete of the Year in 2017 by Snow Sports NZ. Her Winter Olympic bronze medal will not be considered until next year’s awards as it came in 2018. Wanaka’s Mitch Brown, who works with Zoi and other local snowboarders, won the coach of the year. Queenstown jet boater Mark Agnew took home the senior sportsman title, Queenstown snowboarder Tiarn Collins won the junior sportsman award and The Southern Stampede ice hockey team were awarded team of the year. The John Fitzharris Services to Sport Award was awarded to Cromwell’s Trevor Gaston for his contribution to the sport of touch for the past 35 years.
CALLING ALL CREATIVES Grants of up to $2,000 are available from the Upper Clutha Community Arts Council for groups undertaking creative projects including literature, performance and visual arts. Application forms are available in the Wanaka Library or contact uccac@outlook.com for more information.
FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS 23a Gordon Road, Wanaka 03 4431260 E. bill.moore@aoteaelectric.co.nz
THE WANAKA SUN
THURSDAY 19.04.18 - WEDNESDAY 25.04.18
PAGE 15
Sun Sport
thewanakasun.co.nz
Maier wins Hawea Epic WHITE R ROB journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Wanaka triathlete Simone Maier has won the women’s 2018 Hawea Contact Epic. Simone (pictured) crossed the line with a time 05:29:37 in the 125km endurance mountain bike race around Lake Hawea, 11 minutes ahead of Kath Kelly in second. In the men’s Epic, three-time champion Dougal Allan finished second, with Oamaru’s Rush brothers Tim (first) and Kris (third) either side. The annual event offered a range of races alongside the Epic, including the Centurion (160km) and Traverse (35km), but it was the Classic (95km) which arguably offered the most excitement when 16-year-old winner Archie Martinovich crossed the line just one second before Jeremy Forlong and three seconds ahead of Andrew Fraser. More than 700 mountain bikers attended this year and event director Danielle Nicholson said everything had gone to plan. “It was an epic day. Everything fell into place beautifully. We had a great team of volunteers who at this stage really understand their roles. “It was obviously a fantastic competition. We had a great field of competitors. They all raced really well and it was a good course to race hard on.
We almost broke course records, but no cigar this time,” she said. Danielle also paid tribute to Archie Martinovich, who just minutes before the start of his own race took time out to help another competitor to fix her bike tyre. The event brought positive news for local non-profit organisations, with thousands of dollars given to good causes. Mount Aspiring College first XI raised more than $1100 for a forthcoming trip by washing bikes, the Pony Club received over $1400 in donations and a further $6000 went to community groups. The Contact Epic Community Fund, which is run by the race’s organisers LMS events and receives $10 for each rider, also benefitted from $7000. It has previously paid for a new primary school cricket pitch, paving at a nearby bike track and triple-glazing for a local playgroup. Danielle said that anyone who lives in Hawea can apply for funding. “It’s a matter of what the community needs at the time. We at LMS Events have the motto believe, inspire and achieve. We want to assist others to do the same, knowing that a community thrives when everyone is striving to be their best self,” she said.
PHOTO: Studio5
Soccer safety concerns prompt review Snowsports kids receive reporter S Sports sports@thewanakasun.co.nz A local mother’s concern over unsecured goalposts has led to a review of Central Otago Football safety guidelines for its clubs. At an under-10’s football match in Queenstown on Sunday, a gust of wind blew over a set of heavy steel goalposts while a match was in progress. None of the young players were hurt, but the incident prompted the concerned mum to contact the Wanaka Sun. “I found a Queenstown parent who got somebody from the club [QAFC] to secure the goal posts, which was better but still not good enough. Even without the wind causing the accident, a kid could easily jump up and grab the top front bar of the goal - just playing around - and topple it over on themselves. “I would like the soccer organisers to assure parents that this will be sorted before someone is injured or worse.”
Dennis Dowling, president of Queenstown Associated Football Club, said, “We have not historically anchored goals, but will be undertaking a review of this immediately. “QAFC and myself are very relieved to hear this was a near-miss and not an accident, as it could potentially be life-changing for a player to sustain a head injury by a goal toppling onto them.” Dennis said the club would be working with Football South and Queenstown Lakes District Council, whose ground it rents, to integrate ground anchors with field maintenance requirements. Worksafe NZ guidelines state that portable goalposts must always be anchored securely to the ground, they should be made of lightweight material and should be removed when not in use. As the Wanaka Sun went to print, Nic Cavanagh, of Central Otago Football, was confirming with Wanaka, Cromwell, Alexandra and Queenstown clubs that they will have goals that are secured by pegs or a similar fixing solution for future games.
Rugby club raises $40,000 for trip WHITE R ROB journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Young members of the Upper Clutha Junior Rugby Club will hit the road next week to test themselves against teams from across the South Island. The club’s under-13 boys have raised $40,000 for the trip and two teams will head up the West Coast for matches in Greymouth, the Hanmer/Culverden area and Pleasant Point, South Canterbury. Twenty-seven boys and 21 parents will attend and committee chair Richard Sides said the tour was the result of a huge effort by everyone involved. “This is a culmination of 14 months’ intensive fundraising, amazing community sponsorship, and hundreds of hours of volunteer time. It’s amazing how it all adds up. “Virtually all of the fundraising has involved
PAGE 16
serious labour and time input by the boys as well as parents, and these efforts have fostered a real team spirit,” he said. The youngsters have carried out a variety of fundraisers alongside their parents, ranging from collecting firewood and emptying woolsheds of sheep manure to running concert clean-ups and sausage sizzles. They have also been helped by donations from local businesses, with each player going out and finding their own $100 sponsor. The club has been running the trip every two years for around a decade. This year’s begins on April 22 and Richard said the youngsters were looking forward to it. “The boys have been practising hard and are amping to represent their club and area, Upper Clutha, while taking in some amazing South Island experiences,” he said.
funding boost
PHOTO: supplied
WHITE R ROB journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Forty-nine young skiers and snowboarders will receive free tuition at a venue of their choice this year after a $14,700 donation from the Wanaka Ski and Snowsports Club (WSSC). The club is giving $300 of funding to each child for lessons at Cardrona, Treble Cone or Snow Farm to help improve their skills as part of its Grassroots programme. WSSC secretary Bonny Teat said she hoped the money would make a big difference to its recipients. “We started the Grassroots programme to foster young families with their snowsports tuition. Often they have school skiing and love it, but can’t do anything more because Mum and Dad can’t afford it. “The Northern Hemisphere season has produced a new group of young role models across the snowsports disciplines which is already feeding a desire to compete in World Cup and
THURSDAY 19.04.18 - WEDNESDAY 25.04.18
X Games and become Olympians and Freeride World tour competitors. “We hope to assist children to strive towards their personal aspirations and participate in family fun activities on and off snow along the way,” she said. WSSC has now given more than $50,000 to local skiers and snowboarders in school years 2 to 8 through Grassroots, which started in 2013 and is funded by events held in town and at local ski fields. Of those receiving the money this year, 26 will have alpine ski lessons, 15 have chosen ski park and pipe, six opted for snowboarding and two will focus on Nordic skating. The Grassroots awards presentation and BBQ, where the children will be given certificates commemorating their free tuition, is at Rippon Hall on May 18. Pictured: WSSC Grassroots recipients Isabel and Mathilda Watterson with NZ Alpine Team members Willis Feasey, Piera Hudson and Adam Barwood.
THE WANAKA SUN