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Decreased wait times.
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Musicians take to the streets A local flash mob performed all over Wanaka during NZ Music Month.
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Stormwater infrastructure under qldc investigation TURNBULL G GLENDA editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
T
he heavy rain event in Wanaka on Tuesday May 22 has once again highlighted the issue of surface flooding and pollution of creeks and lakes from construction runoff. Last week the Wanaka Sun reported on the dirty water polluting Lake Wanaka in Bremner Bay, and this week it has come to light that sediment has entered Bullock Creek for the seventh time. There was also significant surface flooding from new developments onto Aubrey Road and into Hikuwai reserve, while the entrance to Three Parks was also under water. Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) said it would be investigating the surface flooding and Mayor Jim Boult said the event was on the radar for him and fellow councillors. “It was a reasonably extreme event following heavy rain in the days leading up to it, but the resulting level of surface flooding in some areas leaves some questions that we need to be answered,” he said. QLDC chief engineer Ulrich Glasner said at the peak of the downpour the hourly rainfall rate was 5.2mm. “This was a very heavy event on top of already saturated ground. On the face of it, in this event the performance of some of the stormwater infrastructure did not meet our expectations, particularly in some new developments,” Ullrich said. He said developers were required to implement stormwater management measures to QLDC’s standards, but that some localised erosion and sedimentation took place across the district. QLDC’s Monitoring & Enforcement team was investigating and developers had been contacted and were working with QLDC to
implement appropriate controls. “Should our investigations highlight the need for improvements to the way council processes new developments in the future then these will certainly be addressed,” Ullrich said. Fish & Game (F&G) was disappointed with the inadequate action taken by QLDC to address the repeated flooding of Bullock Creek from the neighbouring subdivision. F&G officer Paul Van Klink said, “We again alerted the QLDC to the site when the stormwater system failed. It is clearly inadequate. This latest event could not have come at a worse time. Bullock Creek is a major spawning tributary of Lake Wanaka and it is the peak of the brown trout spawning season. Silt can smother the eggs.” Paul said it was a disappointment for F&G, and the wider community, that the issue remained unresolved and said they had exercised “considerable patience” with the developer and the QLDC. “We are still awaiting confirmation from the QLDC on what action is to be taken against the developer to stop what is happening or if they are proposing to prosecute for repeat offending,” he said. “The community of Wanaka should not be putting up with this and the environment deserves more protection.” When asked to comment on the impact of sedimentation on Lake Wanaka, Otago Regional Council director of engineering, hazards and science, Dr Gavin Palmer, said the ORC doesn’t take measurements of the lakebed profile “However the process of sedimentation is natural and it appears the changes we have seen are as normally expected. The water level in Lake Wanaka can fluctuate by several metres depending on inflows from the rivers with much of the sediment likely coming
from the large rivers feeding the lake.” Touchstone Project member Eddie Spearing said the increased amount of sediment in the stormwater at Bremner Bay last week was the result of more developments in the catchment. “When Wanaka was a sleepy little hamlet, stormwater and the associated levels of sediment from this catchment was fine,” Eddie said. “The Touchstone Project is in the early throws of a new stormwater project, titled ‘Down the Drain’ for which we have very recently received funding and together with schools and community and council,
to create stormwater ponds which will trap sediment with plantings and clever design.” Bremner Bay is the first stormwater drain Touchstone will look at but the group also intends to work on other drains, in particular the more active stormwater drains. “Part of the project is not only mitigating the effects of storm water ‘after the fact’ but also awareness of what goes down stormwater drains ends up in the lake. That’s from all of us, from homeowners to builders to developers,” Eddie said. QLDC advised as we went to press that results of tests taken from the Bremner Bay stormwater drain last week were not yet to hand.
PHOTO: Supplied
Mount Aspiring College’s Year 12 and 13 students joined together once more for the annual formal on Saturday night (May 26), this year called the Snow Ball. Pictured: Alex Nyika (17), Hannah McNabb (17), Maggie Little (17) and Toby Balls (17).
OF THE HOMES SOLD IN WANAKA
LAST MONTH WERE SOLD BY THE DONNELLY PROPERTY TEAM P E R C E N T Sharon Donnelly P 0508 DONNELLY
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E sharon.donnelly@bayleys.co.nz
MAT ANDREWS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008
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NATIONWIDE 2016 / 2017
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Nature popularity increases REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz The Department of Conservation (DOC) has released its latest visitor data for some of its most popular sites. An estimated 3.9 million or 80 percent of New Zealanders visit public conservation land and water at least once a year. In addition, a record 1.75 million or 52 percent of all international tourists visited a national park in the year ending March 31, 2018, an increase of 5 percent. DOC director-general Lou Sanson said, “DOC welcomes increasing numbers of people visiting New Zealand’s great outdoors, provided we can protect the special nature they come to experience.
“International visitor numbers are predicted to increase by a further one million over the next six years. This growth in domestic and overseas visitors comes with challenges of capacity, protection of natural and cultural values, and quality of experience in some high-use sites. DOC is committed to ensuring our natural and historic heritage isn’t put at risk by increasing use.” Locally, Roys Peak saw a 27 percent increase in visitor numbers, with more than 75,000 people visiting, resulting in queues for photos at the now famous rock overlooking Lake Wanaka. Franz Josef Glacier experienced a 9 percent growth to 750,000, with 6000 visitors daily. Milford Sound showed the same increase, with more than 4500 visitors on its busiest days and 810,000 visitors for the year.
Lou said one of the biggest challenges park managers face worldwide is the power of social media to create new visitor destinations at short notice. “Three international visitors have sadly been killed on Gertrude Saddle in Fiordland over the past three years. Social media has been a strong influence in encouraging people to this site who may not have the experience or skills to tackle this terrain and changeable alpine conditions.” “I strongly encourage all visitors to make use of the local knowledge and advice of our exceptional visitor centre staff before heading to the outdoors.” Compared to previous years, DOC planned for more than 50,000 extra staff hours over the summer season.
“Across the country we increased DOC’s on-the-ground presence in key spots – sharing local knowledge, increasing onsite interpretation, cleaning toilets and maintaining tracks,” Lou said. “Rangers also ensured those using our campsites and huts paid their fees and checked tourism operators had the appropriate concessions for their activities.” “DOC is assessing ways it can sustainably manage predicted growth and changing visitor trends in the long term, while ensuring the values of the places New Zealanders care about are protected for future generations. “With these increased visitor numbers, behaviour is key and we all have a role to play in demonstrating responsible use of our great outdoors,” Lou said.
Earlier kerbside collection New food truck space proposed REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Queenstown Lakes District Council kerbside collection contractors will start their rounds an hour earlier from June 1 (tomorrow). The districtwide residential kerbside collection services will start from 7am, rather than from the current time of 8am. A council spokesperson said, “with the rapid growth across the district
our drivers are having difficulty completing their runs so the extra hour will certainly help.” “Recent consultation around Council’s Waste Management and Minimisation Plan included a move away from blue bags and crates to an all-wheelie bin solution. We’re looking to implement this change across the whole district from July 1, 2019 when new waste management contract commence.”
PHOTO: Wanaka Sun
TURNBULL G GLENDA editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: Government House
Chief of Luggate’s volunteer fire brigade Rod Anderson is pictured formally receiving his Queens Service Medal for services to the community and Fire and Emergency New Zealand from Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy in Wellington earlier this month. Rod has dedicated 46 years to Luggate’s fire brigade and also holds the role of deputy chair of Luggate’s Community Association. “You just do what you enjoy doing and I enjoy helping my community. I just try to do my bit for the village and help out where I can,” he said.
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Owners of a property on Brownston Street are proposing a new food truck space and have made a resource consent application to the Queenstown Lakes District Council. The application proposes to create a permanent space for current and future food trucks/stalls, directly opposite the existing food truck site on Brownston Street. It is proposed the existing food trucks would relocate to the new site. The stalls will be situated on the southern side of Bullock Creek and positioned facing inward into the centre of the property towards Bullock Creek and out to Brownston Street.
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The applicant intends the space to become a food stall garden rather than the traditional food truck environment and will initially include four to five vendors, with the potential to expand to ten, with an element of retail sales, including hospitality activities for the sale of food and eventual sales of alcohol. Outdoor seating areas and public spaces focused towards Bullock Creek will be created, with intended hours of operation being 7.30am to 10pm daily, with the area to be gated. Access will be provided by way of a new vehicle crossing to the north-eastern end of the Brownston Street frontage. The existing vehicle crossing will be used as a pedestrian entrance with proposed six car parks for stall holders. Pictured: The proposed site.
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DHB dental delays
PHOTO: Wanaka Sun
PHOTO: Wanaka Sun
REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Long wait times for children’s dental appointments will soon be over with the introduction of a mobile dental unit to help with the backlog. Dental services, provided under the Southern District Health Board, were disrupted last year when there was a four month period during which the SDHB Community Oral Health Clinic in Wanaka was without a dental therapist. Southern DHB dental surgeon and deputy chief medical officer, Dr Tim Mackay said recruiting oral health professionals was a challenge for the dental services across the country as there is a growing demand for trained candidates. “A new therapist, working part-time from September 2017 and full-time since February 2018, is doing an excellent job of seeing many patients and reducing wait times for appointments,” he said.
“To further help, a mobile dental unit will soon be on site as well, ensuring as many children as possible are seen within the recommended 12 to 18 month timeframe.” Children should be enrolled for dental care at birth and have their first visits after six months of age for initial exams. Dr Mackay said these visits allowed dental therapists to provide parents, caregivers or whãnau with information on good oral health and to provide a little diet advice, including avoiding sugary drinks – water is the best choice of beverage - and brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. “In cases where there is likely to be a delay in children’s appointments, their parents or caregivers have been advised and an advisory is being provided to area schools, preschools and kindergartens for inclusion in newsletters.” If urgent dental care is needed, parents or caregivers can call Community Oral Health on 0800 672 543 for help.
Paramedic coverage under scrutiny TURNBULL G GLENDA editor@thewanakasun.co.nz The level of paramedic coverage for Wanaka has been questioned after no ambulances were available to attend an incident in Wanaka last week. On Tuesday May 22, a driver veered off the road and was found unconscious by a member of the public who was driving behind him in another vehicle. When she stopped and open his door to the car, the man was unconscious. She called 111 and in the next 30 minutes received two phone calls from St John Christchurch assessing the man’s condition, but no ambulance arrived. “When I told them the ambulance still hadn’t arrived they said that’s because there were none. None available in your area - you’re very remote she told me. The paramedic said she had put out an “all points” callout to try to get any medical assistance from a doctor or any crew available.” The bystander wanted to know why no ambulances were available. St John territory manager Central Otago, David Baillie said, “St John received a 111 call from a member of the public at 4.57pm on May 22 about an incident on the Wanaka Luggate Highway involving a 25-year-old male. “The Wanaka ambulance was already committed to another serious incident at the time and a Clinical Support Officer contacted the bystander and patient
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to further assess and monitor the situation while a resource was dispatched. “At 5.22pm, an off-duty St John ambulance officer arrived on scene and after speaking with the Clinical Support Officer and assessing the patient as being in a moderate condition, stayed with him until additional support arrived. While the patient was confused at times, he was able to talk to a Clinical Support Officer over the telephone. At 5.38pm, a police officer arrived on scene, and transported the patient to a nearby medical centre.” When asked about the level of paramedic coverage in Wanaka, David said St John had a number of resources available in Wanaka to dispatch for call outs, including ambulances (from Wanaka and Cromwell), rescue helicopters, managers in response vehicles, Primary Response in Medical Emergencies (PRIME) doctors and nurses, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) co-response. “We can experience higher demands on our service anywhere throughout the country at any time, and there will always be challenges in rural communities when demand exceeds immediate available resources, and as an emergency service we have systems in place to support this, including patient-centered deployment plans and the constant review and development of new systems and technology, for example the National Air Desk, Clinical Hub triage and electronic patient report forms (ePRF).”
Cyclists asked to walk REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Children and their carers should be a little bit safer at the Dinosaur Park, if cyclists abide by the directive of the new signs located at each entrance. Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) erected the signs recently in response to complaints from members of the public. It was reported
that people were cycling very fast through the Dinosaur Park with the obvious potential danger of colliding with children. A QLDC spokesperson said the council parks and reserves team was approached by several parents reporting ‘near misses’ with their children falling as a result of cyclists either riding too fast or learners out of control in the area beside the popular playground.
1080 pre-feed underway TURNBULL G GLENDA editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Ospri has confirmed the pre-feed for the proposed 1080 drop at Timaru Creek began on Monday, May 28. The operation had been delayed from May 1 because a suitable weather window was required to allow for stock mustering. Ospri corporate communications manager Oliver Bates said the pre-feed was an important part of the operation. “[The pre-feed] involves the distribution of non-toxic cereal pellets to give possums a taste for the pellets and overcome bait shyness. Following this, typically two to three weeks later and again dependent on a suitable weather window, toxic, green cereal pellets – each containing 0.15 percent biodegradable sodium fluoroacetate – will be applied by helicopter at a
rate of two kilograms per hectare. That’s about one bait every 60 square metres,” Oliver said. He said Ospri had been actively engaging the local community with initial landowner consultation starting back in May 2017. “As part of our annual consultation on proposed operations for the coming year, we actively engaged with key stakeholders and published a document online to gauge interest in the aerial and provide an avenue for public feedback. This was released in August 2017. Following an excellent written submission highlighting the importance of the area to hunters, we have been working closely with the local branch of the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association and this has resulted in the use of Deer Repellent on over 40 percent of the aerial,” Oliver said.
EBOT appointed for new school REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz The Ministry of Education has appointed an Establishment Board of Trustees (EBOT) for the new primary school. The role of the EBOT is to oversee and assist in the process of setting up the new school. “We are pleased to confirm that we have appointed an Establishment Board for Wanaka South School,” deputy secretary sector enablement and support, Katrina Casey said. “The trustees appointed are Gena Bagley, Ian Hall, Jude MacArthur, Anna Roseingrave and Amy Watson. “Cleave Hay will support the EBOT as a governance facilitator.” In September 2017, the Ministry of Education applied to the Queenstown
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Lakes District Council for a resource consent for a primary school on a 3ha site at Three Parks. The school is expected to be open in early 2020. The EBOT will meet for the first time in June, which Katrina said would be an opportunity for trustees to determine the different skills and experiences of its members, and understand in greater details the role of the EBOT. “An early priority will be to elect a chairperson and work with the governance facilitator to draft a project plan that will identify the tasks it will need to complete to ensure the school will be ready to open in 2020.” There will be opportunities throughout the establishment process for the community to feed into the development of this new school.
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COMMUNITY NETWORKS WANAKA Big demand for foodbank Murray K Kate Community Networks Manager
PHOTO: The Film Crew Ltd
Sofa song celebrates music month REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz As NZ Music Month draws to a close, a project involving La.la.la Inc, Mount Aspiring College (MAC) and a sofa has resulted in a music video which has been viewed more than 8600 times. Rebecca Rowe, of La.la.la Inc, instigated the first local sofa song outing - where a flash mob performance is triggered when somebody sits on a designated sofa - in 2017. This year, she collaborated with MAC head of music, Mat Doyle, who was responsible for rehearsing and recording the singers, to record the 2001 hit “If I Gave U The Mic,” which was written by Sarah Tamaira, Paul Bimler and Karoline Tamati. The performers, who were MAC students and members of the Upper Clutha community, were filmed over two windy days in Wanaka. “In keeping with the flash mob ethos, everyone had to pretend they were just hanging around doing nothing,” Students in the Community coordinator, and viola player, Liz Breslin said. “Some of the teenagers are pretty well
practiced at that, but it’s a trickier thing if you’re concealing a guitar... or a double bass.” Joe Murdie of the Film Crew filmed the flash mob performances which were held in several locations around town including the Dinosaur Park, Farmers Market, skate park, Bridgeman Green and at That Wanaka Tree. “It’s a fun challenge as a film-maker to try and capture all the parts and the emotions of the guest without ruining the surprise too early by sticking a camera in their face,” Joe said. “It’s awesome to be able to be a part of a community project like this and to live in a place where the community still comes together to do these sorts of things in the first place.” The performance got a tick of approval from song-writer Sarah Tamaira who commented that she loved it. “It’s beautiful to see our song is still breathing life and inspiring others,” she wrote on social media. “That rapping was on point. Some of those verses are double timed so that was a mammoth effort. Love the live instruments.”
As we come in to winter we know things can get tough for people in the community. Not only is it significantly colder, it does not take much sometimes for a family or individual to be pushed to the limits; an extra-large power bill, car issues, a delay in pay, medical bills, or anything out of the blue can mean that ends don’t meet for a period of time. As a result we tend see a rise in people accessing the foodbank over the winter months. We’ve already had a fairly busy time since the start to the year with 80 food parcels going out since January (that’s up on the 62 this time last year). Our community foodbank is open to anyone in need in the Upper Clutha region. People can come in anytime during business hours, or sometimes they are referred by other agencies to come and see us. If further support is needed a referral can be made to the Budget Advisory Service or any other social support that may be required. We are very fortunate to live in a generous community that helps keep the shelves of the foodbank stocked. This winter we’re excited to announce a collaboration with The Dripping Bowl (Brownston St) to nourish and warm those in need of a helping hand. The Dripping Bowl has generously offered to help this winter through a ‘pay it forward’ system. They love to feed people nourishing and tasty wholefoods using organic and local
ingredients where possible, including The People’s Bread Co. And now, through your donations, they will be able to provide hot meals to those accessing the foodbank. Donations will be turned into Dripping Bowl vouchers that will be given to families at the foodbank. Donations can be made online by searching for the Dripping Bowl at givealittle.co.nz or in person at the Dripping Bowl. They have also arranged for a group of mighty men to shave off their beards to raise awareness of the Foodbank! Further information is available on their Facebook page. Coming up: In August we are helping to bring the following workshop to Wanaka: MH 101, mental health learning programme. This will “teach you what to do and when in order to support clients, family, friends and colleagues with mental illness or distress, as well as develop strategies for maintaining good mental health for yourself.” It is open to everyone and will help give you the confidence to recognise, relate and respond to people experiencing mental illness or distress. For further information, or to register for this one-day workshop on August 3, please contact Community Networks via email at info@communitynetworks.co.nz by July 13. Community Networks Wanaka, your local resource hub for social wellbeing services and community development. Visit us at 73 Brownston St or call 443 7799.
Hester Du Plessis adds global prestige to local optometry practice
I
t’s one of those crisp, icy mornings in Wanaka where the air is sharp and the pavement is silver. Inside, Hester Du Plessis is trying to stay warm. The 30-year-old optometrist originally hails from Cape Town, and her first week in the South has coincided with a bout of unseasonably cold weather. But frost on the ground or not, Du Plessis and her husband (a general practitioner) are ecstatic to be in New Zealand, the realisation of a long held dream. “We had been wanting to make the move for while, so when the opportunity came up to not only relocate, but relocate to one of the most beautiful regions in NZ, how could we say no?” she said. As the newest recruit for local optometry practice OCULA, Du Plessis has hit the ground running with a full appointment book spanning both the Wanaka and Queenstown clinics. And it’s no wonder. For hidden behind an unassuming manner is a wealth of experience, built on the front lines of optometry in South Africa - a nation seeing some of the most complex optical cases in the world. It was this skill-set that drew OCULA director, Danielle Ross, to her after a chance meeting while Ross was on holiday. “Talking to Hester and watching her work sparked something in me. She is the ultimate package of knowledge, experience and persona - something
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that is incredibly rare to find in one person. Ten minutes after meeting her, I just knew we needed her on our team,” Ross explained. “Hester brings that certain ‘something’ that just can’t be acquired. Her career working in South Africa has allowed for a depth of knowledge that is incredibly valuable and our patients stand to benefit from her enormously. With a specific passion for eye disease management, Hester will be focusing on glaucoma, macular degeneration and anterior (front-of-eye) diseases,” says Ross. It’s been nearly eight years since Ross became owner of OCULA (previously known as Eyes on Ardmore) and in that time an unwavering commitment has remained - to provide world-class eyecare, from a world-class location. With a second clinic now open in Queenstown, ensuring patients have access to best optometrists as well the latest technological advancements has always been at the forefront. “I have always, and will always strive to offer the best. I don’t believe location should be a barrier to quality care and offering a globally renowned service is something I am deeply passionate about. I demand it, my patients demand it, and Hester is just the beginning of a series of steps we, as a practice, are taking to grow,” Ross concluded.
Danielle Ross on left and Hester Du Plessis on the right.
You can book an appointment with Hester by going to www.ocula.co.nz/book or popping into either the Queenstown or Wanaka clinics.
OCULA Queenstown 10 Athol Street, Queenstown queenstown@ocula.co.nz (03) 441 4318
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OCULA Wanaka 80 Ardmore Street, Wanaka wanaka@ocula.co.nz (03) 443 5103 THE WANAKA SUN
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New face at Community Networks REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: supplied
Walkway opening postponed TURNBULL G GLENDA editor@thewanakasun.co.nz The opening of the 300m Bullock Creek Hatchery Springs Walkway has been postponed by Otago Fish & Game Council. Fish & Game NZ chief executive Ian Hadland announced the postponement after a heavy rain event in Wanaka last week caused further run-off from surrounding development, once again causing sediment to enter the creek. “There has been a lack of demonstrable action by Queenstown Lakes District Council and Otago Regional Council over the flooding and sediment runoff occurring from surrounding development. This could create an atmosphere of discontent at the event. [This] being an undesirable result for us as landowners and for the wider community who have invested a lot of time and energy at the site,” Ian said. Wanaka Residents Association (WRA) president Roger Gardiner said the group was very disappointed the public opening of the boardwalk would be postponed. “TheWRA committee recommended this action and fully supports the F&G decision. [The postponement means] the public will, for the time being, be denied the opportunity to use the $100,000 boardwalk and see first-hand the wetland restoration and native planting effort,” Roger said.
WRA recommended postponement due to ongoing issues with the adjoining landowner Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) which has permitted the Alpha Series subdivision to use the land as a storage and drainage catchment for stormwater. “It is apparent that the proposed stormwater drainage system is not working, at a time when at best only 15 percent of the subdivision hard surfaces have been built,” Roger said, adding that after moderate rainfall, a large catchment pond develops on the immediate boundary with the F&G wetland site. “Were this property a dairy farm, the authorities would be all over it. F&G advise silt flows can be more destructive to invertebrate communities and trout spawning streams than nitrates or phosphorus. It appears QLDC and the Otago Regional Council are not being even-handed in enforcement. Is this because they own the land?” Roger said. WRA said it was its opinion that the storage pond represents a drowning risk and the QLDC land was in a poor state of repair and currently unsuitable as a walking pathway. With the storm water overflow risk continuing and no announced QLDC solution, WRA has recommended that F&G take legal action against council. Pictured: Stormwater flows under the newly constructed walkway.
Community Networks will be welcoming a new face in June when Nova Knippers steps into the front office role to replace Abbey Lewis who has been here for three years. Nova said she was looking forward to the new role. “I am excited about joining the team here at Community Networks Wanaka as the office coordinator. We provide a resource hub for social wellbeing services and community development.” Nova has been living in Wanaka for 17 years and said she loves raising her family here in the “beautiful Wanaka community”. “I look forward to building strong relationships through collaboration, communication, networking and forming partnerships with the local community,” she said. “Come in and see me, I’m happy to help.”
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Wanaka Concert Society is bringing popular Wellington-based jazz trio to town for a one-off concert in the Lake Wanaka Centre on June 15. Ol’ King Cole (pictured) will perform music inspired by Nat
King Cole and other artists of his era, with a focus on Nat’s early trio (1943 – 1950). The trio is led by Louis Thompson-Munn (piano/vocals), with Robert ‘Bert Hendo’ Henderson on double bass and Callum Allardice on guitar. Tickets start at $30, but students get free entry.
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WANAKA OFFICE OPENING Opening 5th June Find us at Level 1 Ardmore House, 80 Ardmore Street Contact us today: E: sophie@toddandwalker.com Ph: 021 162 5509 w: toddandwalker.com
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LOOKING FOR A FAMILY DOCTOR?
03 443 0725 | www.aspiringmedical.co.nz | 23 Cardrona Valley Road
Jazz trio’s trip to town REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: Supplied
Open 8am till late daily
TODD & WALKER Law is one of Central Otago's largest law firms offering legal advice on a wide range of practice areas and are known for providing pragmatic, constructive and cost-effective advice to our clients. Already operating extensively in the Upper Clutha Community, TODD & WALKER Law are delighted to have a permanent office presence in Wanaka. The office will be staffed by two local lawyers with extensive experience in the region. Call us at anytime for advice or an appointment.
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Cattle cull to commence REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: Supplied
Selfless students spruce up car park REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz The car park at Hawea’s river wave has been given a facelift thanks to the work of students on Mount Aspiring College’s (MAC) Students in the Community programme. Year 13 students Alice Chrisp, Olivia Johnstone, Mitchell Collett, Megan Blackley, Anna Roberts, Lissie Welch and Macey Toovey have been giving up their Monday afternoons to weed, plant and plan at the popular recreational site in Hawea. The students have been working with Queenstown Lakes District Council to enhance the car park.
“The idea is to create a plan and a project that can be passed on to future Students in the Community groups to further benefit the Hawea area, the community and the wider watersports community,” student Anna said. MAC assistant principal Simon Nyhof said, “I really enjoy working with these young adults who want to give up their time to help the community. Once you’ve started, they’ll keep doing it.” Pictured: Some of the students pick up their shovels for Hawea river wave’s car park.
Government and farming sector leaders have agreed to attempt the eradication of Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) from New Zealand. The decision was made on Monday May 28, after months of analysis to understand the likely impacts of the disease, the potential spread and the costs and benefits of eradication versus other actions. “Today’s decision to eradicate is driven by the government’s desire to protect the national herd from the disease and protect the base of our economy – the farming sector,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. “We’ve worked hard to get the information to make this call and I know the past ten months have been hugely uncertain for our beef and dairy farmers. “Speaking with affected farmers in recent weeks it is obvious that this has taken a toll, but standing back and allowing the disease to spread would simply create more anxiety for all farmers.” The prime minister went on to say the decision would provide some certainty, but would be “terribly painful for those farmers who are directly affected”. “Both government and our industry partners want those farmers to know support is there for them.” The eradication will involve culling all cattle on all infected properties
along with cattle on most restricted properties, with all cattle found to be infected in future also culled. The eradication will be possible because M. bovis is not widespread, the infected properties are all connected through animal movements and there is just one strain of the disease in the country. Damien O’Connor said it was important all farmers showed a collective responsibility for the sake of the wider sector and get on-board with the eradication operation. “We all agree that while there remains a chance to get rid of this disease, we should take it. It’s the only chance we’ll get.” He said the the eradication wouldn’t work without farmer support, and that farmers would need to be meticulous with animal movement records and the way they use the National Animal Identification and Tracing system. “Mycoplasma bovis is a difficult disease to diagnose and to control. For this reason, it is possible that at some stage we may have to let the fight go and learn to manage it in our herds,” Damien O’Connor. The phased eradication over 10 years is projected to cost $886 million. Of this, $16 million is loss of production and is borne by farmers and $870 million is the cost of the response (including compensation to farmers). Government will meet 68 percent of this cost and DairyNZ and Beef+Lamb New Zealand will meet 32 percent.
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Bed sale now on
25% to 40% Off mattresses PHOTO: Supplied
Food bank fundraiser Owens A Aimee journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
The Wanaka food bank is run by Community Networks, and this winter it is collaborating with the folks behind The Dripping Bowl who want to help nourish those in need and raise awareness of the service. Six men will also be joining forces with The Dripping Bowl to raise money by shaving their faces. The shave will take place on June 29 and 30 with the aim to meet the $1000 goal. In the winter the number of people requiring access to the food bank increases by 25 percent. The team from The Dripping Bowl said they learnt that the Wanaka Food bank is really well looked after around Christmas. “But during the coldest months families are struck with excess bills and that increases the reliance on the food bank by 25 percent...So we
thought let’s take charge and try do something for this period.” The Wanaka Community Food bank is the only service of its kind in the Upper Clutha, meaning that it also services the Makarora, Hawea, Luggate and Glendhu areas. So far six men have stepped forward to Sergeant & Madam Mouse Hair Cutters to donate their facial hair and raise awareness for the food bank, but men or women willing to shave are still being called upon. The money raised will be used to provide the Wanaka food bank with another option, namely hot meals. To support this cause you can donate by searching for the Dripping Bowl on givealittle.co.nz or in person at Community Networks Wanaka, Sergeant & Madam Mouse Hair Cutters and The Dripping Bowl (when they re-open mid-June). Pictured: Tim Barbara, Matthew Brierley and Jesse Herbert.
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Fundraiser’s final night Owens A Aimee journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Since 2008, a group of young people from Kahu Youth have ‘taken over’ Amigos Mexican restaurant, in the form of waiting on customers for four nights, with 50 percent of the restaurant’s takings being donated to the youth group. The Wanaka Sun went on along on Tuesday to see how there were getting on and was welcomed by five girls aged 12-13. The evening service was slow to start but the friendly and excited girls were expecting a table of 25 to keep them busy later that evening. The girls have been involved with Kahu Youth for years and they believe that the youth group offers “something different” and was somewhere to do “fun stuff in Wanaka”. One young girls, Mai Beattie-Johnson, who is part of the Girls Club added, “there is no labour which is great.” For most of them it was their second time Takin Over Amigos as they had enjoyed it so much the previous year. Angie Lister, one of the charitable trusts two youth workers, said it was one of the group’s
PHOTO: supplied
Marks for reading TURNBULL G GLENDA editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Each year Mount Aspiring College (MAC) library organises a two-week event to promote reading. The annual event includes a favourite book poster competition, a reading photography competition and for the first time this year a Stop-DropRead campaign has been introduced. MAC librarian Florence Micoud said the event gets students talking about books, reading more and reinforces the importance of reading for pleasure. “Each whanau is invited to send up to three photos of people reading in an interesting location, with many people reading or simply a beautiful picture of teenagers engaged in reading. “The Stop-Drop-Read campaign is
where we invite everyone to spend ten minutes reading during the morning whanau time. It is well followed although there are debates whether to read on phones or paper books. As a librarian, I encourage every type of reading and reading medium, yet on phones, it is difficult to check if it is actually reading or socialising. In any case, it prompts some conversation about enjoying reading,” Florence said. There are three categories in the photo competition: best photo, most interesting location and most people reading. Each whanau can submit one photo in each category, with each photo earning house marks. The winning photo in each category earns three marks, the runner-up in each category earns two marks. Pictured: RMN whanau focussed on reading.
PHOTO: Aimee Owens
biggest fundraisers. Last year they managed to raise $1200 and this year they are hoping to do the same again over the two Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The annual fundraiser allows the youngsters to learn a new skill as well as raise funds. The youth group relies on donations to run the events and activities that they organise and provide programs in a fun, safe, base for young people aged 11 to 24 in Wanaka. Tonight (Thursday) is last night to help the group raise much needed funds to continue its work with local youth, call Amigos on 03 443 7872 to reserve a table.
Cromwell master plan takes shape BUTLER D DANIELLE newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz The public is being invited to shape Cromwell’s future by attending two drop-in sessions based on Central Otago District Council’s master plan for the town. Cromwell Community Board agreed in March that it would develop the ‘Eye to the Future’ master plan to address Cromwell’s future growth pressures over the next 30 years, including a lack of attraction for visitors
and locals to the town centre, the location of community facilities and the town’s infrastructure requirements. The plan, which will be funded through property sales from Cromwell General Reserves, aims to better understand how the town works for its residents and how it can best be developed to provide for future growth. Anyone wishing to have an input can head to Cromwell Public Library on Saturday (June 2) from 10am to 1pm or on Wednesday (June 6) from 3pm to 6pm.
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Lakefront Addressing Upper Clutha investment concerns Matariki celebration J Jim boult OPINION
QLDC Mayor Jim Boult focuses on the issues facing Wanaka and Surrounds.
QLDC Mayor
Recently council heard submissions on the draft Long Term Plan following public consultation during March and April. Councillors spent a day in both Queenstown and Wanaka listening to those who wished to be heard and then spent Friday deliberating any changes to the Long Term Plan, which should take place following those submissions. The finalised Long Term Plan will be placed before council for sign-off in late June. While the task has been a significant one it has been an enjoyable one. For my part I have appreciated the level of feedback and the generally positive attitude taken towards the LTP by residents of the district. Concern was expressed by some residents of the Upper Clutha over the level of investment between the Wakatipu and the Upper Clutha. To address this concern, I’d like to clarify that QLDC has one of the lowest general (or district wide) rates in the country. Most of our charges are either ward-based or scheme-based so the community that pays is the one that benefits. We have been commended by submitters over the years for having a very fair rating system. There were also some concerns over the varying levels of investment by council, supported by external parties (in particular
NZTA) in parts of the district. Let’s address the elephant in the room. The reason for the greater spend in Wakatipu lies in several areas. What we have generally recognised is that the whole district has suffered from underinvestment. This has become critical in the Wakatipu area as tourism and population growth have both boomed (5.5 million bed nights per year in Wakatipu compared to 1.5 million in Upper Clutha). The council has made significant progress to tackle this headon, including creating the business cases and engaging with Central Government and government agencies (notably NZTA). We are now in a position to turn planning into action. We have already begun the parallel process for the Upper Clutha area with the commencement of the Wanaka Town Centre Masterplan, a strategic programme that will create an integrated plan and implementation programme for the centre. We need to do this to ensure we have completed the extensive investigative work required before we commit to spending many millions of dollars in that part of the district and enable council to leverage parallel government investment. It would be reckless for Council to plunge ahead with a capital programme that ignored the possibility of co-funding. Therefore, Upper Clutha residents should not feel in any way disadvantaged but more that they will be
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seeing the right level of spend in future years to address areas of concern. You should also know that the elected members for the Upper Clutha have ensured that the current case for expenditure in that part of the district is well and truly understood by their fellow councillors. In particular, I look forward to building on the work that has already been done for the Wanaka town plan to achieve consensus on the important work that needs to be done to address many issues including visitor numbers, parking and future development. Folk have talked about learning from the mistakes made in Queenstown – the major one was spending too little too late. We are very aware of the catch up that council is playing. We also acknowledge the motivation and enthusiasm of large parts of the Upper Clutha community to get ahead of the game, and we commend that sentiment. Council’s key short term goal is to undertake the investment that puts us in the best position to move forward, and this will be addressed with the work now being done. We are also committed capitalising on sensible key shortterm opportunities where these arise. We do not intend to allow the district to slip back into a position of being saddled with infrastructure spend again. I look forward to commenting more on this as matters progress.
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Matariki Festival, Kahu Youth Trust’s free community celebration, will be held on Saturday June 16 at Dinosaur Park from 2.30pm to 6pm. Matariki is the start of the Maori New Year and a time of renewal and for Kahu Youth Trust it is their biggest event of the year. The celebrations will be part of a team effort, with help from the community, volunteers, schools and community organisations. Everything from the hangi prep set-up, stewarding and all the workshops and performances are volunteer led. This year’s family friendly event will host workshops, cultural and community performances, a community hangi by donation, a fire show starring local youth, two huge bonfires on the beach and a fireworks display to finish the day.
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A monthly column by Kim Reilly, Federated Farmers South Island regional policy manager, on issues affecting the Upper Clutha’s rural community…
Shining the light on High Country Reilly K Kim Regional Policy Manager, South Island On-farm diversification, biosecurity and water issues were the hot topics at the Federated Farmers High Country Conference in Cromwell earlier this month. The event kicked off with a convoy of 4WDs travelling from Matakanui Station, through Bendigo Station and back to Cromwell. The Field Trip provided a great opportunity for conference attendees from across New Zealand to hear from farmers directly impacted by Otago Regional Council’s Minimum Flow plan change processes. For those in the Lindis catchment, the process has been exhausting, both physically and financially. It is hoped that matters will finally be resolved later this year through the Environment Court. Attendees got an early indication that Otago Regional Council is planning significant changes to the way a number of remaining Minimum Flow and Residual Flow processes would be managed. We understand the intent is to streamline processes into a single notified plan change, to assist with the replacement of deemed water permits within the wider Clutha/Mata-au catchment. However, we are wary of the impact these changes will have on affected water users in the Arrow, Upper Cardrona and Manuherikia catchments, both in terms of increased costs and resourcing expectations, and in the way that a ‘one size fits all’ process may miss some of the important differences between catchments. We will keep our members informed once more information is provided by Council, and once we hear confirmed dates for the information sessions planned for Dunedin and Cromwell. Other key topics at the conference related to QEII covenants, walking access, tenure review and the control and management of pests. QEII updated on the significant gains being made through their covenanting of private farmland, where for every $1 invested by the crown, an accompanying $40 was spent by farmers. It was extremely disappointing to hear that the government hasn’t committed to the necessary on-going funding for QEII in this year’s budget. Otago Regional Council Pest Management representatives talked through their latest work on the management of wilding conifers, an update on the K5 Rabbit virus, and their increased
PHOTO: supplied
focus on eradicating wallabies. Representatives from the Walking Access Commission presented on key findings from their recent South Island High Country Access report. They acknowledged farmer concerns resulting from the use of walking and cycling tracks across private land, particularly with the significant (often tenfold or more) increases in visitor numbers over recent years. It was highlighted that one social media photo has the potential to encourage thousands of others to come find that same ‘spot’, which can be a significant burden on private landowners, given visitor misbehaviour (particularly around toileting!), health and safety, biosecurity, car parking, access to drinking water and rubbish. The Walking Access Commission stated that it was very keen to work closely with farmer representatives, iwi and other key parties to promote ongoing solutions to these issues. Land Information New Zealand also announced the creation of a High Country Advisory Group to objectively review how current tenure review processes are working. The group will include representatives from the Department of Conservation, Federated Farmers, and three to six members of the public with experience in sectors such as the environment, farming, industry, iwi and central/ local government. What was clear throughout the conference was that there seems to be no let-up in the pressures on New Zealand’s iconic high country farming way of life.
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Vote for your favourite farmer REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Voting has opened for the 2018 FMG Young Farmer of the Year – People’s Choice Award, with Otago/Southland represented by finalist Logan Wallace from Gore. The 28-year-old self-employed sheep farmer is up against six other finalists from around the country. Logan runs 2300 romney-texel cross ewes, leads a youth group and is a Land Search and Rescue member. The 290ha property he leases from his parents is a finalist in the 2018 Otago Ballance Farm Environment Awards. Each of the seven finalists has embarked on their own marketing campaign to win support for the award and raise their professional profile through social media. “The individual Facebook pages are an easy way for grand finalists to share aspects of their lives, whether it be moving to a new farm, drenching livestock, helping other farmers grow their businesses or volunteering in their communities,” NZ Young Farmers events and marketing manager Carolyn Bennett said. “It also provides an opportunity for people who want to know more about where their food comes from to connect with some of New Zealand’s best operators.” The finalists have the support of
PHOTO: supplied
sponsor FMG, NZ Young Farmers and their local clubs to positively promote the rural sector and showcase themselves as young leaders in the industry. Everyone who votes at www.fmg. co.nz/peopleschoice goes into the draw to win a Fitbit Surge™ and the winning finalist will pick up $1000 for their Young Farmers region. The People’s Choice winner will be revealed at the grand final on Saturday July 7.
Firearms test backed REPORTER S STAFF editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Federated Farmers has backed the changes to New Zealand’s firearms licensing, with national president Katie Milne saying nobody should take the responsibility of owning and using a gun lightly. “If the changes that come in from July 1 boost people’s understanding of the Arms Code and how to stay safe with firearms, that has to be a good thing,” Katie said. Firearms licence applicants will be required to participate in a practical training session run by firearms instructors from the
Mountain Safety Council, and demonstrate their understanding of safe handling of firearms, as well as pass a computer-based multichoice theory test from July 1. “Federated Farmers does want to see an adequate number of venues for these practical sessions and tests, with plenty of venues in provincial areas,” Katie said. Federated Farmers was also pleased to see Police acknowledge that even after the theory test and practical training, there is still a vital role for hunting clubs and experienced firearms users - including farmers to mentor those with less experience with guns.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lack of expertise? Dear editor, I have noticed two stormwater systems servicing Wanaka subdivisions which don’t work - one in the Maggies Way area relying on a soak pit, and one in the Alpha development relying on an infiltration pond. My concern is not with the developer but with QLDC who appear to have granted resource consent for these systems. This suggests a lack of expertise, knowledge and skill by QLDC staff to ensure stormwater systems which will operate effectively and provide the necessary protection to properties and the environment. Yours sincerely John Milburn
Queenstown Lakes District Council spokesperson responds: Council is currently investigating the stormwater-related issues around Wanaka and will be able to identify root causes once this investigation has been completed. Developers are required to install systems that are designed by professional chartered engineers to manage stormwater effectively and also to rectify issues with these systems where faults have been identified. Should our investigations highlight the need for improvements to the way Council processes new developments in the future then these will certainly be addressed.
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Fire siren woes Dear editor, Could someone advise me of the need of the above siren going off at 2.27am on Saturday May 26th?
To submit a letter for possible publication in the Wanaka Sun, please send it via email to editor@thewanakasun.co.nz. Letters can also be sent by private message on our Facebook page. Letters may be edited or abridged. Letters of no more than 300 words are preferred.
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When it was first put in, it stated that it would not be going off at nights at all....let alone 2.27am in the morning! In this day and age, with cell phones/mobiles and pagers, there should be no need for an “emergency siren” at all. Tourists from overseas must think they are back in the “blitz days of Germany”. This is totally unacceptable in “big deal Wanaka.” We are so backward in the “powers that be’s” thinking. Yours sincerely J.D.Dow Note from the Wanaka Sun: Fire and Emergency’s resource consent permits the sounding of the siren between 0700 - 2100 immediately and between 2100 - 0700 delayed by five minutes from time of activation.
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You are correct in your initial information that there is a delay on the system that allows for its activation and subsequent cancellation during night hours. The timer for this starts at the time the Brigade members are notified of and emergency. Most of the time the members arrive within the time allowed and manually shut off the siren i.e. prevent it from sounding. It has a five minute delay. On this night in question, there was a mix in communication and the button was not pressed in time. As soon as the siren started, a Brigade member pressed the button but due to the nature of the system the alarm cycled through its call. This is not a common occurrence. The siren is a back-up in case of a failure with the paging repeater or cell phone coverage. It does go off during the day but the Brigade make their best efforts in shutting it down through the night so as not to disturb the near neighbours. Yes we do have modern equipment such as paging and cell phone links to it, but we have no plans to remove the siren in the near future. The siren has a battery back-up system and will work should other wireless technology fail. We have a dedicated and professional Fire Brigade at Wanaka that turn out to emergencies in a volunteer capacity. Throughout those night time hours they may get a pager activation of an emergency, have to get out of bed, get dressed, and responded from their homes to the Fire station within a few minutes. I think the community can appreciate their dedication and commitment and forgive the infrequent sounding of the siren through the night.
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Thanks to everyone who comes to Wastebusters to donate goods, shop and recycle. Your support helps us work for zero waste and a resourceful community.
NOTICES
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 computer lessons for older people Community Networks is offering one-on-one lessons in your own home on your own device or at our offices. If you are interested call in to Community Networks or phone 03 443 779. 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 or take you for an outing. If you are interested please contact Community Networks 03 443 7799 or contact project coordinator, Anscilaine, on championforolderpeople@gmail.com JP SERVICES are available at Community Networks every Tuesday from 1pm and Friday from 10.30am. Please book your appointment by ringing Community Networks 03 443 7799. If you have rented out your Wanaka house/holiday home and you have some unopened or fresh food or toiletries, please remember your local foodbank at Community Networks,73 Brownston St. Thank you! WHEELS TO DUNSTAN –free shuttle service to Dunstan Hospital or Alexandra specialist appointments, also linking with the St Johns Health Shuttle to Dunedin Hospital. For bookings please call Community Networks on 03 443 7799 before 3pm the day before. Major sponsor Upper Clutha Transport. Would you like to help with our community’s Meals on Wheels service? We’re looking for more volunteer drivers to help deliver meals around town. If you’d like to know more please visit our office or website (www.communitynetworks. co.nz) or give us a call: 443 7799. FREE LEGAL ADVICE available at Community Networks delivered by the Dunedin Community Law Centre on Wednesday 6 June. Please call Community Networks on 443 7799 to book your appointment.
Wanaka Salvation Army Family Store. Opening Hours – Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, Saturday 9.30am – 4pm. We look forward to seeing you here!
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.
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Donations kindly received. Please drop them into the Salvation Army Family store or ph 443 5068 to book a pick up. Approved repairer for all the major insurance companies
Wanted by the Salvation Army Family Store, if any one has any spare pillow cases we would love them, please just drop them into the store, thanks. 10/26/2017 11:38:28 AM
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The Salvation Army Family store would like used glass spice jars with lids, to donate these please just pop them into the store in Brownston Street. Volunteers required at The Salvation Army Family store if you have some free time and would like to be part of a team which makes a difference, come and see us.
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DISTRIBUTION LINE MECHANIC - CENTRAL LAKES, OTAGO Delta is the smart thinking infrastructure specialist in energy and environmental services. Our company’s strength is in its’ people, with a high standard of support, respect and work. We invest heavily in the development of staff and support structures. You will be joining a diverse and inclusive workforce, with opportunity to develop your career. • Central Lakes location • Great work culture • Join an experienced team
MONEY MANAGEMENT COURSE Take advantage of this fully funded Level 3 Wanaka course offered through Te Wãnanga o Aotearoa
• Gain tools and info to keep improving your financial situation • Understand your attitude to money and know your risk profile • Protect yourself with wills, power of attorney, insurance • Understand and simplify the language of finance and debt • Assess property investments, better understand the market • Gain practical info on shares, business and other investments
The course will run on Wednesday evenings over 20 weeks.
We are seeking a Distribution Line Mechanic, holding EWRB registration and a current practising licence, with experience in the construction, maintenance, upgrade and repair of distribution networks to join our Cromwell depot. You will need to be a proactive problem solver with excellent communication skills, be able to cope with the physical demands of the role, have an excellent attendance and safety record and a clean NZ driver’s licence. If you are a team player with a ‘can do, will do’ attitude, and are available to work overtime as required, please apply today.
For further information please contact:
We seek candidates with the following skills and experience: • EWRB Registration • Current Practising licence • Experience with overhead distribution assets • Experience working on lines up to and including 66kV • Full New Zealand Class 2 driver’s licence • Glove and Barrier Qualification (advantage, but not critical) • Transferable network company competencies and previous experience in overhead switching (advantage)
Mylrea Bell Tel 443 1738, Cell 027 443 9942 email: myl@xtra.co.nz www.twoa.ac.nz
Book now – classes start soon! PUBLIC NOTICE
Delta is an equal opportunities employer, providing competitive remuneration and structured support for your career development. To apply, and to find out more please visit www.thinkdelta.co.nz. To be considered for this role, you must complete the Application Form questions. If you apply via Seek, these will be forwarded to you via email.
N O T I C E B O A R D TO LEARN MORE AND TO APPLY VISIT WWW.THINKDELTA.CO.NZ
Amendment to June Meeting Schedule Additional Meeting: District Licencing Committee Hearing - Court Room 2, Queenstown Court, Stanley Street, Queenstown. Thursday 7 June 2018 beginning at 9.15am.
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Free delivery to Wanaka, Cromwell and surrounds, PO boxes in Makarora, Cromwell, Haast, Wanaka, Albert Town and Hawea. Also distributed to businesses in the Wanaka business district Average circulation: 15,000 weekly. Phone: 03 443 5252 • Fax: 03 443 5250 Editor: Ruth Blunt • editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Journalists: Danielle Butler • newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz Aimee Owens • journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Glenda Turnbull • wanakasun@gmail.com Social Media: Nikki Heath • hello@thewanakasun.co.nz Advertising: 021 786 740 adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz Admin: Benn Ashford • 021 956 740 admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Mail: PO Box 697, Wanaka
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Funding boost for facility Owens A Aimee journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: Supplied
The Wanaka Water Sports Facility (WWSF) project has received a $400k grant from Otago Community Trust as it stood out to trustees as a communitybased, community-led initiative. The facility is expected to open in June 2019 and will be located towards the end of the lakefront reserve near Stoney Creek, on the lake side of the two large redwoods. The construction cost is estimated to total $1.65 million with applications for
SPORTS RESULTS Wanaka Bridge (Tues) N/S 1st Blair Coghill, Heather Wellman 58.68%. 2nd Maureen Hawke, Shona Watt 56.60%. 3rd Jude George, Dorothy McDonald 53.82%. E/W 1st Lyn Hill, Pam Miller 59.92%. 2nd Pauline Davidson, Brian Stewart 53.17%. 3rd equal Gill Rich, Joan Pyle/Deirdre Lynch, Anne Howarth 51.98%. (Wed) N/S 1st Jan Cunningham, Sue Thomson 60.24%. 2nd equal Annette Clements, Shona Watt/Tess Hellebrekers, Marion Furneaux 58.16%. E/W 1st Nicola Brown, Miranda O’Leary 58.88%. 2nd Noelene Raffills, Sharon Wilson 57.20%. 3rd equal Carole Turner, Lesley Hook/Denise Bunn, Ruth Coghill 57.07%. (Fri H/Cap) N/S 1st Maggie Stratford, Sherril Harries 56.30%. 2nd Jenny Turnbull, Joy Baxter 50.73%. 3rd Dorothy McDonald, Nan Ottrey 50.04%. E/W 1st Nicola & Claire Romeril 58.94%. 2nd Ruth Coghill, Jen Milburn 58.41%. 3rd Robyn Gilchrist, Peter Hart 57.08% (Mon) N/S 1st Ken Saxby, Clare Scurr 61.36%. 2nd Maggie Stratford, Ena Leckie 56.12%. 3rd David Brewer, Lynne Fegan 53.50%. E/W 1st Martin Unwin, Michael Metzger 65.34%. 2nd Sue & Ian Halsted 59.28%. 3rd Deirdre Lynch, Errol Kelly 55.49% Wanaka Stadium Bowls W/E 25:05:18 Monday Evening Edgewater Trophy 1st T Malcolm V Ransom L Roberts 2nd N Hewett B Steel P Hope 3rd M Steel A Coupe I Urquhart. Tuesday Morning 2x4x2 Pairs 1st B McKenzie I McGregor 2nd G Russell G McMillan 3rd R Wales K Outram. Tuesday Afternoon 2x4x2Pairs 1st I fletcher Y Gale 2nd A Moore P Knowles 3rd G Thomas P Gray Tuesday Evening Trades 1st J Leith I Hodges T Outram 2nd R Bruce S Nyhof C Carr 3rd J Parrant J Limmer R Limmer. Wednesday Afternoon Triples 1st D Guy B McKenzie H Malcolm 2nd N Dippie J Hogan R Woolley 3rd C Kiewiet M Briggs J Millar. Wednesday Evening Trades 1st Jocks Follies 2nd Solid Hits 3rd Shot Bowls. Thursday Afternoon Triples 1st I Brown N Turner M Baxter 2nd R Wales M Steel L Cameron 3rd G Thomas K Sutherland J Hurring. Thursday Evening Trades 1st H Davis S Wallace R Niles 2nd Rotary 3rd Lakers. Friday Afternoon Progressive Skips 1st B Steel 2nd K Suckling 3rd Glad Cross Thirds 1st N Young 2nd P Traynor Leads 1st J Hill 2nd T Hyder 3rd B Hall.
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other means of funding still underway. Three other funding groups, including the Central Lakes Trust, are meeting with trust chairman Michael Sidey to discuss funding. The majority of funding is hoped to be secured by the end of July, and for building to start in September. Michael said he was delighted with the support from Otago Community Trust. “This funding is a cornerstone contribution to the project and comes after five years of hard effort on our part,” Michael said. “We are confident that Wanaka
residents and visitors, young and old, will be the beneficiaries of this generosity for a very long time.” The grant comes nearly a year after the WWFT received the news that the appeal against the water sports facility resource consent had been disallowed by the Environment Court. On June 20, 2017, Environment Court Judge Hassan found that “the proposal will offer important community benefits and that its effects are appropriate, subject to modifications we have required and various conditions.”
Four decades mapping glaciers
PHOTO: Dave Allen, NIWA
Owens A Aimee journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz As New Zealand recorded its hottest summer this year, it is food for thought as to what this means for the climate. The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) has carried out aerial surveys of over 50 of the South Island’s glaciers every year for four decades, mapping and documenting the snowline and this summer they celebrated its 40th flight. According to NIWA’s Dr Andrew Lorrey, they decided to make a video for the 40th anniversary as well as capturing the heat wave and their reactions to it. The nationwide average temperature for summer 2017/2018 was 18.8 degrees celsius. NIWA’s End of Summer Snowline team, including Dr Lorrey, Andrew Willsman and Dr Trevor Chinn along with other colleagues from Victoria University Wellington, survey the snow and ice coverage from the air using fixed-wing aircraft. The team created a four minute video to visually represent the glacial retreats in which Trevor describes snow melt as “phenomenal”. “This year is the worst we’ve ever seen,” Trevor said in the video. “There was so much melt over the summer that more than half of the glaciers have lost all the snow they gained last winter, plus some from the winter before.” Trevor estimated around one-third of the Southern Alps ice volume had disappeared between 1977 and 2018. NIWA state that glacier fluctuations are among the clearest signals of climate change, because they are highly sensitive indicators of atmospheric temperature and precipitation levels. The snowline survey 2015 indicates that The Southern Alps glaciers have shown a varying pattern
THURSDAY 31.05.18 - WEDNESDAY 06.06.18
of 24 positive years and 15 negative years over the monitoring period. Many of the index glaciers with well-defined permanent ice areas have clearly lost ice during the course of this period. Environmental monitoring technician, Andrew Willsman said the consistent trend of ice loss correlates with average sea surface temperatures rising. As seas surrounding NZ have warmed, ice and snowlines have receded and these glacier recessions mirrors global trends. Trevor explained that for Wanaka, “It’s fairly bad, first of all for tourists, secondly, you’re getting less amount water from the mountains”. With Rob Roy Glacier being the closest to Wanaka, Trevor believes that it is “creeping out of touch” meaning that people will have to hike much further along the tracks in order to touch the ice. Lower altitude glaciers are more susceptible to melting than higher altitude glaciers. Trevor also ponders the “extreme weathers” that are beginning to manifest, this year began with a very hot summer and now winter has begun with a very early snowfall prompting ski resorts to open earlier than usual. Dr Andrew Lorrey also views the glaciers from a tourism perspective and believes that they are an ‘important part of tourist economy’. “Snow and ice at low elevations becomes compromised with climate change...the landscape doesn’t look the same without ice capped mountains,” he said. “On an individual level, we have a social responsibility, we all have to curb the effects of climate change and the source of it. “Anything we can do to help that is appreciated.” Pictured: Snow line survey team from NIWA, Victoria University and Alpine and Polar Processes Consultancy - Huw Horgan, Brian Anderson, Lauren Vargo, Andrew Lorrey, Andy Woods and Trevor Chinn.
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Grant boosts rugby club plans
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Thunderdogs are flying reporter S Sports sports@thewanakasun.co.nz The Wanaka Thunderdogs took on the Wanaka Cheetahs in the second Wanaka round of the Central Otago Junior Football League on Sunday. Nine-year-old Jonathon Wing (pictured) smashed the ball into the back of the net for the Thunderdogs,
unfortunately the one goal was not enough to hold back the flow from top of the league Cheetahs who eventually won the game 6-1. The loss won’t stop the Thunderdogs players enjoying their rollercoaster ride in this season’s under-10s division two league. The Thunderdogs are just one of local 32 teams, made up of over 350 players.
Gymnastic season underway
PHOTO: Danielle Butler
BUTLER D DANIELLE newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz A $120,000 grant from the Otago Community Trust (OCT) will be a “huge boost” for the redevelopment of Upper Clutha Rugby’s club rooms. The grant, which was awarded to the club in the trust’s latest funding round, will assist with the $800,000 redevelopment project, which was granted resource consent by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) last month. Club committee member Luke Robson said that the grant would help with the next step of the process, which involved getting building plans drawn up for the council’s approval. “Getting this amount means that we can get a
draftsman to put the detail into the plans. Getting building consent is the last hurdle,” he said. Luke added that the club hoped to have the building consent approved by the end of the season in August. “Everything is on track to see the work done in the off-season,” he said. The grant joins $200,000 raised by the club itself and $200,000 granted by the Central Lakes Trust in December. The club’s plans will add 204sqm to the existing floor area of the club rooms, located at Wanaka Showgrounds, which will include two new changing rooms, equipment storage rooms, new toilets, an extension on the building’s social area and a deck and barbecue area.
MAC talent tries out for teams
PHOTO: supplied
TURNBULL G GLENDA editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Aspiring Gymsports is primed for the upcoming season with 40 of its members set to attend the Dunedin junior qualifying competition over the weekend of June 9-10. Aspiring Gymsports coach Rae Patterson said the club was looking forward to it being the biggest season yet. “This the largest competition squad the club has ever sent and reflects the impressive level of growth the club has enjoyed in recent years,” Rae said. Aspiring Gymsports has tripled since moving to its current premises in Reece Crescent three years ago and offers classes for four-years-olds to adults. Club members will be competing in women’s artistic gymnastics national
steps 1-4, men’s artistic gymnastics (levels 1-3) and the regional competition levels iron, bronze, silver, gold and elite. The gymnasts are also busy fundraising to cover the costs for travelling to and from competitions, which will be held in Dunedin, Christchurch, Invercargill and Timaru. The club will hold a gymathon during normal classes throughout the week of June 18, with gymnasts seeking sponsorship as they complete a list of skills. For example the gymnast may be sponsored $1 for each cartwheel, or $5 for walking on their hands for 30 seconds. Non-members are also welcome to take part and can contact info@ aspiringgymsports.co.nz for details. Pictured: Part of the team heading off to Dunedin in June.
Trials for the Mount Aspiring College boys and girls first XI and the boys second XI football teams have been taking place for the season which starts at the beginning of term three. The MAC 1st XIs will compete in the New Zealand Secondary Schools(NZSS) national satellite tournaments at the beginning of September. The boys will be playing in the Linwood Tournament in Invercargill and the girls will play in the Lotto Sportswear Tournament in Dunedin. For many MAC players this is one of the biggest football highlights of the year. The teams are Wanaka’s only truly representative teams made up of the best local football talent in the school. The boys 1st XI has done well at the NZSS satellite tournaments, placing second out of eight teams at the Jim Wishart Tournament in 2011 and placing fifth out of 16 teams in 2016 and 2017. They just missed out on a top four placing last year, losing to the eventual tournament winners in a quarter-final penalty shoot out. The girls placed ninth in 2016 and sixth in 2017 out of 16 teams at the Lotto Sportswear Tournament and are hoping to improve this year. These are not bad results considering the lack of competitive competition in the sport in Central Otago schools. While the top school teams in Otago play in a qualifying competition to go the top national tournament, local students can’t travel to these games during the school week. When MAC
competes in the NZSS tournaments they are up against competition-ready teams. This year the boys 1st XI team is in a rebuilding phase after losing 11 players from last year’s team of 16. Players remaining from last year’s squad are second-year members and Central Otago Men’s League players, year 13 Joseph Sharratt who plays for Wanaka Youth and his team mates, year 12 Fletcher Cavanagh and year 11 Weston Bell, along with year 11 Toa Roode who plays for Wanaka Braves and this year’s captain Alex Plimmer who plays for Wanaka Athletics. There are many potential players doing well in club football, like year 11 Michael Gealogo (Wanaka Athletic) and year 10 Ethan Arratia (Wanaka Braves) and Noah Holmes, Jake Nicholson, Flynn Brown, Jacob Lang and Levi Fletcher and more who all vie for spots on Wanaka Youth’s starting 11. There is a lot of promise on the girls 1st XI , with some very exciting talent like Phoenix Brownlie, who plays her club football for Queenstown Rovers in Dunedin Women’s Premier League. The team also has young up-and-coming Southern United Academy players and Central Otago representative prospects Kiara Bercelli year 9, Tessa Treadwell-Burke year 10, Annabel Carter year 11, Aime McArthur year 11 and MAC head girl Bella Fraser who plays Youth A grade with the boys at youth level and has been an important member of the team for many years. – By Wanaka Football World
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PHOTO: Supplied
PHOTO: Cardrona Alpine Resort
Pre-season snow action Owens A Aimee journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Cardrona Alpine Resort is opening this coming weekend June 2-3 to celebrate the early snowfall over the last few weeks. The pre-season teaser will allow skiers and snowboarders to enjoy the snow on Saturday and Sunday before the official opening day on Saturday June 16. More than 90cm of natural snow fell at Cardrona in the last week, which, combined with the cool
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temperatures, allowed the resort’s snowmaking team to make significant amounts of snow on top of that. Weather-dependent, the McDougall’s Chondola, the Beginners’ Area and The Lounge will be open from 8.30am until 4pm on both days, and lessons and rentals will also be available. Cardrona’s general manager, Bridget Legnavsky said she was stoked to share the early snowfall with everyone by opening for a few days pre-season. After the weekend’s skiing and snowboarding, the resort will close again to resume preparations for the official opening day.
Dancers prepare for comps Owens A Aimee journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Dance Out Loud School of Dance students have a busy few weeks ahead of them as two dance competitions approach. Nine young dancers aged from 11 to 15, from Dance Out Loud School of Dance are travelling to Christchurch today for the weekend’s NZ Dance Awards. The following weekend the adult dance troupe of 16 local women, Prime Generation and another of eight women, Missy United, will be
THURSDAY 31.05.18 - WEDNESDAY 06.06.18
competing in the Hip Hop Unite National Dance Championships in Wellington on June 8 and 9. The hip hop dancers have been training since early March for the competition and this will be a first for all the women involved, especially those new to the team. Pictured: Dancers performing their competition routines, choreographed by Rachel Erichsen, at the Lake Wanaka Centre last Sunday in preparation for the dance awards.
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