Boaties beware
INSIDE THIS WEEK Views: Page 13 Jobs: Page 15 Sport: Page 16
Protect weed matting.
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FOC for students Festival takes performers into the classroom.
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The unsung heroes tackling festival’s waste Emma Conyngham
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
R
hythm & Alps is the premier South Island music festival; with up to 10,000 party-goers flocking to Cardrona from all over the world this weekend. The music is great, the food is plenty, and vibe is buzzing but the waste can be overwhelming. That’s when Wanaka Wastebusters step up to show themselves the quiet unsung heroes that they really are. It’s not a glamorous job but their dedication helps makes Wanaka the glamourous vista that it is. Jeremy Bisson is in charge of Wastebuster’s operations at the event and is optimistic that this year will be the best ever - primarily because of festival director, Alex Turnbull’s decision to use globelets, and do away with the single-use plastic cup. “I think their attitude is really, really good and Alex is adamant about keeping it tidy and clean, and the globelets are a really good idea. It changes people’s attitudes. It’s such a simple thing to do.” As the cups are branded, people can take them home as a momento of the festival and use them for years to come. Taking along your own reusable crockery and cutlery to reduce the waste from eating three meals a day out of disposable containers is also a good idea for those who want to reduce their environmental impact. Doing away with single-use plastic cups is a gamechanger for festivals around the world but it has highlighted the other big problem:
PHOTO: supplied
disposable camping gear. “The days of borrowing mum and dad’s good quality gear is over,” said Bisson. “Now, you can pick up a camping chair, airbed and tent for $32 from the Warehouse. At the end of festivals, people just bin it, or if the weather is bad, they simply walk away and leave everything in situ.” With 10,000 people in attendance at the peak of the festival it’s no surprise that the clean up becomes a Herculean task, but the speed of the clean up is hastened by the large team of volunteers that the festival management supply. The bulk of the clean up is done by the end of January 1, with everything back to pre-festival pastureland by the end of January 2. “We know we’re the tidiest festival two days after the party’s over in Australasia,” said Alex Turnbull. “The success of the R&A brand is a lot down to Wanaka Wastebusters. They’re really good at what they do – they have huge knowledge and massive dedication to the event. They make it fun.” Pictured: A reusable globelet; the end of the single-use plastic cup has come.
A friendly seasonal greeting to travellers coming into town via State Highway 6. PHOTO: Wanaka Sun
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John Creek officially recognised
PHOTO: Wanaka Sun Archive
Ruth Blunt
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Ongoing confusion around the name of a settlement, know as John’s Creek by locals but named Gladstone on maps, is finally over. Gladstone will be wiped off local maps, and replaced instead with its commonly used, and now officially recognised, name John Creek. Gladstone was a paper town that never eventuated, its location now partially underwater at Lake Hawea, but the name appears on maps, and to emergency services, as the small settlement of John’s Creek at the southeast corner of the lake, about 4.5km northeast of the town. The original application to alter Gladstone to John Creek, for the village, and Johns Creek to John Creek, for the stream, was made by Lake Hawea resident Barbara Chinn almost two years ago. Chinn 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 is named after the John family, who first farmed there. At its meeting in April 2018 the New Zealand Geographic Board agreed to accept proposals to alter the unofficial recorded names of Johns Creek (stream) to John Creek and Gladstone (village) to John Creek and undertook a three month notification period during which 18 submissions were received, 14 supporting and four objecting. The supporting submissions generally confirmed the application, stating that ‘John[s] Creek’ has been in long term local use for the village, while Gladstone is not, and this causes confusion. They also emphasise the relevance of the ‘John’ family’s name to the area, and that the proposed names without a possessive would make it clearer the name is a surname. At its meeting in September 2018 the NZGB resolved all recommendations, and their decisions were reported to the Minister for Land Information to make the final determinations. The Minister made the final determinations on November 9, 2018 to alter the geographic names, which took effect last Thursday (December 20) being their date of publication in the New Zealand Gazette.
PHOTO: Wanaka Sun
Food drive delivers 75 hampers Ruth Blunt
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Mount Aspiring College hall was buzzing with volunteers sorting donations from this year’s Christmas food bank drive last wednesday night. The drive took place in Hawea on Sunday, in Luggate on Tuesday, and on Wednesday in Mt Barker and Wanaka/Albert Town. While it was a sunny beach day for the Hawea collection, Wanaka collectors experience a wetter affair. But regardless of the weather, volunteers and emergency service crews - including Police, volunteer fire crews and St John - turned out in force and the community did not disappoint. Food staples, fresh and frozen produce, and Christmas treats were donated which filled up the community foodbank and went towards creating Christmas hampers for families who are struggling. Community Networks Wanaka manager Kate Murray said 75 Christmas hampers were made up, with majority of them collected or delivered
on Thursday. “Thanks to funding from Rotary and Salvation Army we had food for Christmas dinner - roast chicken, meringue, cream - in every hamper,” Murray said. “The donations from the food drive meant each family got food basics, fresh produce, as well as the Christmas dinner food and treats.” Children’s presents collected by Ray White over the last number of weeks were also gifted with the hampers, and this year adults got a little something too thanks to donations made at Santa’s Grotto. “Paper Plus heard we were a bit short on presents for teenage boys and turned up with 12 nerf guns to fill that gap,” Murray said. “I want to thank the whole community for their amazing generosity. Huge thank you to Nikki and her family for organising the drive, it’s really appreciated, and to the emergency services too.” Donations of food are welcomed throughout the year at Community Networks, 73 Brownston Street. “We have a big freezer.” Murray said. So don’t be afraid to help them fill it.
No Christmas break for baby plants
PHOTO: Wanaka Sun
Emma Conyngham
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
We may all be sitting around in a turkey coma, releasing our belt buckles and settling in for an afternoon nap followed by a week in the sun doing a big fat glorious nothing; but seedling plants at Te Kakano still need attention and love over the Christmas break. Te Kakano is running some nursery sessions on the Thursday, December 27, and Friday, December 28, and on the Thursday, January 3, and Friday, January 4, from 9am to 12pm. After that, the nursery sessions will resume on the Tuesday and Wednesday, as usual. Also worth noting is that some of the new plants in the ground will need water over the next few
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THURSDAY 27.12.18 - WEDNESDAY 02.01.19
months. Despite the recent rain, it could warm up and dry out very quickly so all locals are asked to pitch in and water and weed where you see a need. If you happen to walk past some new plantings, Te Kakano would like you to grab one of the buckets that lives on site and water a few plants, and if you have a bit of time, pull out a few clumps of weeds that are growing around the trees. The sites are: Dinosaur Park, near the Wanaka Springs - a bucket should be behind the flax bushes; and the plants around Penrith Wetlands could do with extra water - all the sites along the lakefront where there are drums and buckets in place. If you are unsure of the sites or would like to take responsibility for watering some of the sites, you can contact Andrew Penniket on 021 342187.
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Festival of Colour brings opportunity for students
PHOTO: Boffa Miskell
Boaties beware of hessian matting Ruth Blunt
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: supplied
Emma Conyngham
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Living in Central Otago is a feast for the eyes with its natural beauty and is a lifestyle choice for many; but the isolation from opportunities and exposure to professional-level theatre, music, dance and performance art can be a negative if you have a child whose natural flair bends that way but doesn’t have much opportunity to pursue their dreams. Students in the bigger cities have access to professional directors, musicians, lecturers, orchestras and coaches, as well as a regular choice of art shows, musical theatre and immersion days and mentoring. The Festival of Colour takes this problem seriously and is working very hard to fully integrate their performance schedule with a schools programme—taking their performers into all schools in the district for intense master classes and learning opportunities. Laura Williamson from the Festival of Colour said that every festival runs a tandem schools programme which brings speakers and workshops into school. The festival also hold tickets for specific shows for students. “Our students, who are studying the arts, are limited by where they live,” she said. “As a festival opportunity is what we bring to Wanaka—both for an audience to enjoy but also for students to have experiences. It’s a really big opportunity and we always get great feedback.” All ages are catered for, from pre-schoolers to Year 13. “Every area we offer at the festival, we offer to the schools; theatre, music, dance, performing arts,
circus, clowning, visual arts, photography, painting and sculpture,” Williamson said. The Festival of Colour, which runs biennially in rotation with its sister event, Aspiring Conversations, aims to bring a high-level of exposure to students. Earlier this year Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern spoke at Mt Aspiring College. Two festivals ago, they bought Seymour Hersch, a pulitzer-winning journalist who exposed the My Lei Massacre in Vietnam, and the torture at Abu Ghraib, to speak to students at MAC. In 2017 the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra did a multi-day residency at Hawea Flat School. “We bring scientists to speak to science class, historians for history class, politicians, journalists, writers, storytellers and the whole array,” Williamson said. “Last year, as a performance for younger students, we did a beautiful show based on the book by Mem Fox, Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge. A puppeteer, Peter Wilson, did a live puppetry performance of the book. The puppets were the size of children which was really spectacular.” For those who want to know how their child can participate in the April festival, a schools’ coordinator is employed for the festival and will get in touch with every school in the region in the beginning of term 1. The Festival’s full programme launches on February 11 which includes a launch of the schools programme. Any questions in the interim can go to the schools’ co-ordinator, Liz Breslin at admin@ festivalofcolour.co.nz. Pictured: ‘Sing it to my face’ schools programme 2017.
This summer boaties on Lake Wanaka are being asked to take extra care to avoid tearing the hessian matting which has been laid on the lakebed to tackle the spread of the lake weed lagarosiphon. “We’re asking anyone using a boat to lift their prop out of the water as they near the beaches where hessian has been laid,” Boffa Miskell’s Marcus Girvan said. He said matting can be found in parts of Paddock, Parkins, Glendhu and Roys Bays, and at Stevensons Island, and has proved to be an effective tool for killing off the invasive weed and preventing its spread. Lagarosiphon can grow up to 4m in length and spreads rapidly, displacing native plants and making swimming and other water-based leisure activities less pleasant. Lake Wanaka is one of just three lakes in New Zealand to have the matting. The relatively flat lakebed means divers can easily lay the matting which smothers the weed while allowing native plants to grow
through the weave. Land Information New Zealand has been leading the effort to tackle lagarosiphon in Lake Wanaka. “We’ve done quite a bit of experimenting with the type of hessian,” LINZ biosecurity director, Dave Mole, said. “Inspections by NIWA have shown the positive impact it’s having on the lake’s ecosystem. But because it’s biodegradable it does mean it can easily tear and get caught in boat props, which is why we’re putting up signs around the lake asking people to take care over the busy summer period.” Girvan said the use of biodegradable hessian has been a game-changer. “Although it’s relatively expensive at around $60,000 per hectare, once it is laid very little follow up control is required, which will reduce our reliance on herbicides in the long run.” The hessian was first trialled here over two years ago and, as a result of its success, it is now being used extensively in the lake and elsewhere in the South Island. Pictured: A diver lays biodegradable weed matting on the lakebed.
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Masters of the Masterplan actual results rather than ideas, a team is required to take responsibility. As such, a Community Reference Group Who we want to be in the medium and long- (CRG), made up of elected members from the term is a subject of much debate at the moment. Wanaka Community Board and primarily local The rapid population growth, spiralling living representatives has been established. costs and tourism influx means some people, Along with the project team, the CRG will especially those who have been here a long time, work together with the Wanaka Community are left reeling. Board. This group will test ideas and challenge A series of stakeholder workshops were held in thinking as the Wanaka Town Centre Masterplan Wanaka in mid-November. These explored and project progresses. built on the ideas and insights gathered from the Everyone in the CRG has strong links to the Upper recent community engagement - defining who Clutha community. As a group they are invested in Ruth Blunt we are, what we want now, and what we want for Wanaka’s future and bring a diverse range of skills editor@thewanakasun.co.nz generations to come. The Wanaka Town Centre and expertise to the table. The group will meet Masterplan has been taking shape in a broad regularly to test ideas and help ensure anything New rules are in force on the consultative process but when it comes to the pointy being proposed meets the needs of the Upper Clutha River this summer, with the end of getting details articulated and generating Clutha community. Navigation Safety Bylaw 2018 in play since December 1. The biggest change recreational boaties will need to know these holidays is that they can’t take their Gina Dempster jet boats or jet skis down the Clutha A former economist, Gina retrained in 1999 as a journalist to tell stories that River from the lake. There is a ban on were not being told. She has spent 20 years working on environmental issues, recreational powered vessels on the including 12 years as the communications manager at Wanaka Wastebusters. area of the river from the Lake Wanaka Outlet to Albert Town Bridge between December 1 and April 30. Passive users of this stretch of the river should note that resource consent Mark Morrison holders, the Harbourmaster and his Mark has lived in Wanaka since 1994 where he went to Mount Aspiring team, and people authorised by the College. He has worked as a mountain guide from 1994 to 2015 and currently QLDC can still operate in this area. runs Wildwire, an adventure tourism company in Wanaka. Mark is Chairman A year-long permanent speed for Lake Wanaka Tourism. uplifting between Albert Town Bridge
Emma Conyngham
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: Wanaka Sun
New rules for boaties this summer
The team comprises:
Mike Saunders
Mike’s family have owned property in Wanaka since 1952 and have holidayed/lived here ever since. He is on the Management Committee of the Upper Clutha Lakes Trust and was a key member of the Shaping our Future Upper Clutha Transport Report incorporating land, air and water transport completed in 2017.
and Red Bridge is also now in effect. The Harbourmaster and Deputy Harbourmaster will be on and around the water over the holidays, and have a particular focus on the wearing of lifejackets. There are a number ways you could be hit with a fine of up to $500 this summer, including failing to carry lifejackets to fit each person on board a vessel, failing to wear a lifejacket on board a recreational craft 6m and under, towing a person from a vessel who is not wearing a lifejacket and being that towed person without a lifejacket on. The message QLDC has for locals and holiday-makers alike is to ”keep water safety front of mind if spending time with family and friends at our lakes and rivers, especially with young children”. Pictured: New signage has been put in place at the Albert Town Bridge to advise boaties of the restrictions.
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is coming to Wanaka
Kathy Dedo
Kathy currently works as Facilitator of LINK Upper Clutha, a community development initiative connecting our community as it grows. Kathy is or has been involved on the Wanaka Chamber of Commerce Executive Board, Shaping Our Future Board, two school boards, Parenting4Life, Wanaka Alcohol Group, Alpine Community Development Trust, Wanaka Area Youth Trust, theatre and music.
Mike Toepfer
Mike is Deputy Chair of the Ignite Wanaka and Districts Chamber of Commerce Inc, and has been an executive member since 2010. He is a Director of Aspiring Law Limited. Mike moved to Wanaka January 2010. He is a trustee of Southern Lakes Arts Festival Trust, which puts on Aspiring Conversations and the Festival of Colour.
PHOTO: Festival of Colour
STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Mike Fisher
Mike has worked for over 19 years in placemaking, urban regeneration and planning projects across New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. He has recently joined the Christchurch City Council as Team Leader City Planning after running his own small consultancy supporting government, the private sector and communities work together on various placemaking and planning initiatives. Photos: Supplied, QLDC
The Festival of Colour has confirmed that the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra will be performing for two concerts in the April festival. FOC thanks Universal Developments, Allenby Farms and other symphony
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Wanaka Sun Christmas Photography Competition
ECO Fund open for applications STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: Lydia Wallis
Keep the photos coming! There’s just one week left in our fantastic photography competition and we want to see more of your gorgeous images. Check out www.thewanakasun.co.nz for more details about the prizes and T&Cs, and send your entries to newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz.
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Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) ECO Fund is open for funding applications from January 1-20 . The ECO Fund supports communitydriven projects that support or enhance Otago’s environment. Its point of difference is that it supports not only ground work, but also administrative support. This came about after strong feedback from the community that there was an abundance of funds that support capital expenditure but few that offer funding for administration/coordination, or work on strategies/planning. From a $250,000 annual fund, $83,000 is available in this round. In its first round earlier this year, ORC was able to fund 10 projects around Otago which are designed to enhance and protect Otago’s unique environment. There is already some great environmental work being undertaken by the Otago community and ORC is excited to see how this fund will empower communities and individuals to tackle environmental issues further. Past funded projects near Wanaka include the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust, and the Lindis Pass Conservation Group. For more information on the fund and how to apply see the ORC website.
Risk of complacency over fires Emma Conyngham
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
You may be shaking off your umbrella and wiping sodden mud off your boots in this crazy December weather but its no reason for complacency when it comes to fire safety. All this recent rain is great for growing grass and plants but the moment it warms up, it simply becomes extra fuel to burn when things eventually dry out. If your grass is long and lush, Fire and Emergency New Zealand have some tips for you: mow regularly before grass growth slows; don’t spray grass as this makes it a ready fuel source for fires; and once the region dries out, consider when you mow; early morning is best when there is a dew. Remember there are zones around Wanaka that have a total year-round fire ban and this includes fireworks. This ban is in the Albert Town Campground, all of Mt Iron and parts of Northlake and Hikuwai developments, down to the banks of the Clutha river. Outside of this red zone, it is currently open fire season. With the high levels of
recent rain, it is generally safe to light a fire but Mark Mawhinney, Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officer of Fire and Emergency New Zealand encourages everyone to always check the checkitsalright.co.nz website. “There are places that are within 1km of DOC land where you require a permit, and the permanent high fire risk areas of Mt Iron and the Queenstown Red Zone are always banned no matter what. The only thing we want you to use in these areas are gas-fuelled barbecues” Mawhinney said. The recent fire in Hawea that was started by suspected tourists shooting a romancandle into the pine trees, is a reminder how easy a fire can start, even in the current wet conditions. An enormous amount of effort by volunteers and expense goes into putting these fire out. If you live in a rural area anywhere in the Queenstown Lakes District, you will need to get a permit from the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Principal Rural Fire Officer for any outdoor fires. This includes farms, lifestyle blocks and dwellings outside urban boundaries, and
PHOTO: QLDC
covers fires to burn stubble and trimmings as well as bonfires. There is no cost to obtain a fire permit but it may take around five working days to issue, and may involve a site inspection. Think ahead and apply well before you expect to start burning. If you were planning a rural bonfire on New Year’s eve, it is now too late to apply. Pictured: Fire ban zone.
Lakefront entertainment ORC policy director moves on to bring 2018 to a close this role again at another council.” STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Otago Regional Council (ORC) director policy, planning and resource management, Tanya Winter, has resigned to take up the position of chief executive at Otorohanga District Council. “While I have enjoyed being part of the team at ORC, this is an opportunity I couldn’t turn down,” she said. “I was in a chief executive position at Westland District Council prior to coming to ORC, and I’m looking forward to doing
She will take up her new role in mid-February 2019. ORC Chief Executive, Sarah Gardner, said the Otorohanga District Council is lucky to have someone with Ms Winter’s expertise joining their organisation. “Tanya has achieved a lot during her time at ORC,” she said. “In particular, she has done an excellent job leading the minimum flows project and building strong relationships with iwi and the community.” Winter will continue in her director role at ORC until February 8, 2019.
THURSDAY 27.12.18 - WEDNESDAY 02.01.19
STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Live entertainment, food and fireworks will help locals ring in the new year, with the family friendly celebrations on Wanaka lakefront featuring Mount Aspiring College bands. The live band performances on the main stage kick off with a short set by Not Yet Rated at 8pm, followed by Silkworm, and The Hamiltones will keep the crowd on their feet as the bell strikes midnight. New this year is a DJ stage on Helwick Street, with sets from DJ Dan-O, DJ Ortega, DJ Optics, DJ The Wook & MC Tree from 9pm to 1am. A spectacular fireworks display will signal the beginning of 2019.
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Skirt Tales third edition
PHOTO: wanaka sun
More sports venues in the pipeline Emma Conyngham
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Planning the future development of councilmanaged sport and recreation facilities in Frankton and Wanaka is underway. Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has appointed national environmental planning and design consultancy Boffa Miskell to lead a joint masterplan project for Queenstown Events Centre and Wanaka Recreation Centre after a public tender process. The company will work with QLDC’s Sport and Recreation department, local sports groups, schools and other key stakeholders including potential funding partners to consider the development of all current and potential sites over the next 20 years. The project will also look to future-proof the district’s sport and recreation facilities beyond this in line with predicted population growth ensuring both hubs continue to play a key role in the social fabric and wellbeing of the district. Thunes Cloete, QLDC general manager community services, said, “Connecting Queenstown Events Centre and Wanaka Recreation
Centre with proposed new residential, commercial and education hubs, especially via the active travel links being explored in the Wanaka and Frankton masterplans, is a particular focus.” Nik Kneale, senior principal and landscape architect at Boffa Miskell, said the company was excited to be leading the development of this vision with council. “We know that many groups within the Wakatipu and Upper Clutha communities are very physically active, and that recreation is one of the key reasons people choose to live in the district. As such, we recognise that planning for the future provision of sport and recreation facilities here is a high priority and we’re looking forward to presenting some creative solutions.” The joint masterplan will add detail to the $12m investment programme for QEC outlined in council’s 2018-2028 Ten Year Plan that includes two additional Ruth Blunt indoor courts, a multi-use artificial turf and an editor@thewanakasun.co.nz upgrade of its gym and group fitness facilities. The masterplan for WRC will be refreshed to complement A book which was written to celebrate the centenary of the 1893 Electoral the pool facilities opened in June 2018. Pictured: Wanaka Recreation Centre sports fields. Act, and republished as part of the suffrage 125 celebrations in Wanaka this year, is now available to buy. ‘Skirt Tales: Stories of the lives of 100 women of the Upper Clutha Area’ took 12 women two years to compile and edit. Hansby said. “Early next year we will release the final request As the title suggests, the book tells the
Construction panel sought for Three Waters STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Queenstown Lakes District Council has released a request for proposal (RFP) to assemble a construction panel for its Three Waters Programme At an estimated value of $140 million over three years, council said the complexity and scale of the Programme “has led to a bundled approach to take this work to market”. QLDC property and infrastructure general manager Peter Hansby said the approach allows council to group together similar and compatible types of work into ten packages, representing approximately 60 projects. “By using this bundle and panel approach, we will have a panel of contractors on-hand who have the required skills and capacity to deliver the physical works required in the Three Waters programme,” Mr
for proposal to assemble an engineering services panel,” he said. QLDC Mayor Jim Boult said the RFP is part of a process to streamline the delivery of a significant programme of work identified in the 2018-28 Ten Year Plan. “This is a huge piece of work made up of multiple, staggered projects to improve and upgrade critical infrastructure in the district’s storm water, waste water, and water supply,” he said. “It’s three times larger than anything this council has delivered for the community before and will ensure our local infrastructure can keep pace with growth and future demand.” The construction panel RFP is open for submissions via the GETS portal until noon on February 1, 2019.
STAFF REPORTER
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Cromwell Mall’s free WiFi service has gone live in time for the summer months. Cromwell and District Promotions Group and Central Otago District Council collaborated to bring the service to the town. CODC information services manager Nathan McLeod said CODC had been reviewing WiFi infrastructure for the Cromwell i-SITE and Cromwell Library, while the CDPG had been asked by the business community to drive a project for WiFi in the Mall. “Rather than have competing services and duplication it just made
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sense for us to join forces so we can get a better result,” McLeod said. The initiative fitted with CODC’s plans to enable better digital access to services for its communities and the library’s vision to connect communities, while enhancing the visitor experience and encourage people into the area. “It is fantastic to finally get the free WiFi into the Mall in time for the holidays and for our seasonal workers,” CDPG chair Janeen Wood said. “This is a great feature we can now promote to visitors to our town.” The WiFi service is limited to one hour per log on and is available between 7am and 11pm.
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stories of a broad range of women who lived, and worked, in the Upper Clutha. It was first published in 1995 by Barry Ryder of Pope Print in Timaru, who was tasked with the reprint in 2003 and also with this third print run. The new edition, which is unaltered from the first, sells for the same price as it did in 1995 - $25 - and is available from the Wanaka and Hawea libraries, and from Wanaka Paper Plus.
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Seasons greetings to all our readers, contributors and advertisers, from all of us here at the Wanaka Sun.
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Swim safety funded by CLT
PHOTO: Wanaka Sun
New car park for Mount Iron track Ruth Blunt
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Earthworks got underway to construct a new car park for the Mount Iron walking track opposite Three Parks, marking the first step in gaining access to Three Parks from State Highway 84. On December 12, consent was granted, subject to conditions, to undertake the earthworks to prepare the land for the construction of a roundabout, the formation of a new Department of Conservation car park and the formation of the access and track to the Allenby Farms stock shed. The formation of the roundabout to access Three Parks from State Highway 84 will result in the existing access to the eastern access point of the DOC car park and the Allenby Farms stock shed being stopped. The earthworks have enabled the creation of a more formal, and larger, car park for the Mount Iron Reserve and will provide for a new access point and
access track to the Allenby Farms stock shed. The New Zealand Transport Agency, as the road controlling authority of State Highway 84, lodged a Notice of Requirement with Queenstown Lakes District Council earlier this year, to designate land at the junction of State Highway 84 and Sir Tim Wallis Drive for highway purposes to enable the formation of a roundabout access to Three Parks. The three-leg, two-lane roundabout has been designed to accommodate the existing open road speed limit of 80kph, and will be capable of accommodating a future fourth arm to the north to service Allenby Farms. The recommendation has not yet been issued for the roundabout. “Council is currently in discussion with NZTA about the final design/construction details. Once we have consensus the recommendation report will be finalised and issued,” a council spokesperson said. “This is likely to be resolved early in the new year.”
PHOTO: supplied
STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
The Sport Otago swim school programme will again be made possible by the support of Central Lakes Trust and other partners, which sees primary school children throughout the Central Lakes Trust region receive 10 swimming lessons annually. Central Lakes Trust chair, Linda Robertson and newly appointed trustee, Hetty Van Hale (pictured) visited Cromwell Swim Centre last week where the students participated in a swim school lesson. Students were clothed and swimming in simulated weed. The lesson was to gain awareness of what it is like to swim in a situation they may not be used to, but could well be possible in our New Zealand waters.
“Supporting safety in and near the water by teaching our children water safety skills and to swim, is very valuable use of the Trust’s funds,” Robertson said. The programme, which is a joint initiative between Central Lakes Trust, Sports Otago, CODC, QLDC and the schools in the Central Lakes Trust region, has transitioned from traditional swimming strokes to the Water Safe NZ, Water Skills for Life syllabus. The aim is to improve each child’s confidence and ability to survive in the water. Arthritis New Zealand, The Epilepsy Association of New Zealand, Parkinson’s New Zealand, Otago Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Zealand also received funds from CLT to support people in the Central Otago region.
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What’s the plan Otago Regional Council? Reilly K Kim Regional Policy Manager, South Island
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Recent Otago Regional Council (ORC) Water Quantity workshops in Central Aspiring Centre 03 03 443 4430725 0725 AspiringMedical MedicalCentre Wanaka Medical 0710 Otago were a positive indication that Healthline 0800 611 116 Depression Support 111 757 Aspiring Medical Centre 03 443 0725 Depression Support Line 0800 0800 111 757 the community’s views will be taken on Lifeline 0800 543 354 Depression Support Line 0800 757 797 543 354111 787 Alcohol &Lifeline drug Helpline 0800 board. I hope so, because the success Youthline 37 66 33 Lifeline 0800 543 354 or failure of Otago’s water management Youthline 0800 37 66 33 In crisis phone the Mental Health depends on this. Healthline 0800 611 116 Youthline 0800 37 66 33 Healthline 0800 611 116 From a farming perspective, certainty is Emergency team 0800 467 846 AlcoholHealthline drug Helpline Helpline 0800 787 0800 611 116 Alcohol &&drug 0800 787797 797 key when it comes to resource use. Farmers crisis phone the Mental Alcohol & drug Helpline 0800 Health 787 797 need to know the answers to a range of ‘how, InIncrisis phone the Mental Health Emergency team 0800 467 In crisis phone the Mental Health what, when, where and who’ questions. Emergency team 0800 467 846 846 For youngEmergency people: www.thelowdown.co.nz These include ‘how’ a process will team 0800 467 846 Understanding Depression Understanding Depression be undertaken, ‘how’ much water can For adults: www.depression.org.nz For young people: www.thelowdown.co.nz Understanding Depression legally be used, ‘what’ is needed to be For young people: www.thelowdown.co.nz For adults: www.depression.org.nz A listFor ofFor local counsellors, including subsidized done to comply with rules and limits, and young people: www.thelowdown.co.nz adults: www.depression.org.nz A list ofadults: local counsellors, including For www.depression.org.nz counselling options, can be foundsubsidized on our website‘who’ is doing the work? A list of local counsellors, including subsidized counselling options, can be found on subsidized our website www.communitynetworks.co.nz There have been long standing A list of local counsellors, including counselling options, can be found on our website www.communitynetworks.co.nz counselling options, can be found on our problems with Otago’s Water Plan. www.communitynetworks.co.nzwebsite www.communitynetworks.co.nz For water quality matters, despite Environment Court settlement taking place in 2013, there is still a real lack of detail around the plan’s implementation, and targets for waterbodies. Your local resource hub for social wellbeing services For matters of water quantity, resource hub social wellbeing wellbeingservices services Yourlocal local resourcehub hub for for Your Your local resource forsocial social wellbeing services substantial background work is still required in many places. This is needed both for the transition of deemed (mining) permits to RMA permits, and to
Understanding Depression
accurately and appropriately determine minimum flows on the main waterbodies. To address these problems, Council needs experienced staff across a range of teams, including science, policy, planning, consents, monitoring and compliance. This is where the crunch comes, because over the course of 2018, far too many key, long-term staff who understand Otago’s resource management issues have left ORC. All up, we understand well over a century of institutional knowledge has been lost, and it’s not just those leaving who are impacted, many of those remaining are also likely affected in one way or other. Alarmingly, three recent departures have been at Director level, in key portfolios including Policy & Planning, and Stakeholder Engagement. Those in the primary industries were particularly concerned to hear that Environmental Monitoring and Operations Director, Scott MacLean, was one of those leaving at short notice. Scott is highly regarded across the country, at local/central government and industry level. This is a big loss to ORC and the resource users of Otago. Ordinarily, stakeholders could rightly be told to ‘mind their own business’ when
it comes to staff management issues in another organisation. But we’ve reached the point with ORC when their issues are swiftly becoming the issues of resource users and ratepayers of Otago. Farmers pay a large portion of Otago’s consenting costs and rates, much of these targeted to key workstreams. Through Long Term Planning processes, substantial funding is assigned to appropriately resource water quantity and quality processes. Looking over at how many Acting Directors, Acting Managers, contractors and consultants are being used by ORC (at a cost well above that of in-house staff), we are extremely concerned that the money needed on key projects, is instead funding hefty contracts. It is Otago’s resources, resource users, ratepayers and communities who ultimately could be paying that price. We hope that councillors are sitting up and paying attention. Local government elections are looming, and this is happening on their watch. It is associated with their ‘legacy’. Resource users need action, plans, engagement and commitment. This won’t happen until the tide is stemmed on ORC’s staff departures.
Transparent Overseer needed to regulate water quality STAFF REPORTER
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Water quality is a serious environmental issue in New Zealand, with nutrient losses from farms having an impact on rivers, lakes and estuaries. As the country looks to improve the state of its waterways, an important part of the regulatory puzzle is how we measure and place limits on sources of pollution. A report on whether Overseer - software used to manage farm efficiency, nutrient loss and water quality - is suitable for use in regulation to help clean up New Zealand’s rivers and lakes was released by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Simon Upton, earlier this month. Upton said it’s time to “open up” Overseer. “If the Government wants to see the model being used as a regulatory tool then a large measure of transparency is needed.” Overseer was originally developed as a farm management tool to calculate nutrient loss but is increasingly being used by councils in regulation. Excessive nutrient run-off from farms has an impact on the health of waterways. “To ensure cleaner water, farmers and regional councils need to be confident that Overseer’s outputs are reliable,” said Upton. Professor Troy Baisden, BOPRC Chair in Lake and Freshwater Science, University of Waikato, said almost any Kiwi involved with farming or nutrient management will have heard of the Overseer model. “It was and is intended to be New Zealand’s main computer tool developed to support farmers’ efforts to minimise nutrient losses. Over a dozen years, use has shifted beyond this intention and the model is now required by many regional councils setting limits on nitrogen losses from farming to maintain water quality,”
PHOTO: supplied
Braisden said. “On the upside, Overseer is well used and reflects some of our farming systems well. That would be perfect if Overseer was still mainly a calculator to improve farm nutrient management. But, when used to enforce regulation, Overseer lacks the openness and transparency needed for scientists to review model results or develop improvements.” The Overseer and regulatory oversight – Models, uncertainty and cleaning up our waterways report recommends that if the Government wants to see Overseer used as a regulatory tool, then it needs to address a number of issues. These include: • commissioning a comprehensive evaluation to ensure the Overseer model is independently peer reviewed, and is subject
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to sensitivity and uncertainty analysis • providing greater transparency around how the model works • aligning Overseer’s ownership, governance and funding arrangements with the transparency required for it to be used as a regulatory tool • providing official guidance on how Overseer should be used by regional councils. Braisden said: “The report concludes that Overseer has achieved a safe monopoly on regulatory use. Essentially, Overseer is the best model we have, because it is the only model we have. As a result, there are reasons to recommend the Government address issues of openness, enabling the science community to do more to check and improve Overseer.” Pictured: Simon Upton.
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NATURE - A monthly column by your local branch of Forest and Bird
ORC adopts plan to manage water sustainably STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: Ian Turnbull
A kiss under the (native) mistletoe If you get a kiss under the mistletoe this Christmas, you’re part of a tradition that dates back to the Druids and Vikings who considered these plants both magical and medicinal. In New Zealand we have our very own magical mistletoes that bloom a brilliant red at this time of year. Along with our other “New Zealand Christmas trees”—the crimson Pohutukawa and scarlet Rata—locally we have a brilliant member of the Beech Mistletoe family that can be easily seen at Kidds Bush on the shore of Lake Hawea or above the Blue Pools car park at Makarora. Beech Mistletoes are semiparasitic—they grow on other trees (mainly but not exclusively native beeches), and get water and nutrients from their hosts. But they have green leaves of their own and do not kill the host tree. The local species is Red Mistletoe / pikirangi (Peraxilla tetrapetala), generally growing on black beech. Many of the clusters are large and may be decades old, as these plants grow extremely slowly. The masses of red tubular flowers are pollinated by birds, mainly bellbirds and tui, and sometimes by native bees. There’s a bit of a trick to it; the bird has to tweak the end of the flower to open it. The flower pops open with a burst of pollen, which dusts the bird’s head
as it probes inside for the nectar. The bird then carries this pollen to the next plant. If no birds visit the flowers, they remain closed and cannot reproduce. Birds also disperse the berries, which stick onto the branch of a new host tree when pooped out. Beech Mistletoes are declining and have disappeared from many places they once occurred—one species has even gone extinct. The decline is caused by possums, which love to eat mistletoe, and along with rats, stoats and other predators, kill the native birds that distribute mistletoe pollen and seeds. So looking after our magical mistletoe is yet another reason for loving our native birds, and controlling their enemies. As our local plants are so vulnerable, please don’t pick them to hang at home and elicit kisses, but feel free to go up to Kidds Bush and have a cuddle under the beech trees! You can help: Volunteer with Forest and Bird in our efforts to protect native birds, or join one of the other local groups doing the same. Contact: Ben Goddard 027 9000 768 or centralotagolakes.branch@ forestandbird.org.nz. Pictured: Mistletoe at Kidds Bush, Lake Hawea. – Ross Sinclair
Otago Regional Council voted last week to adopt a Progressive Implementation Programme to address how the region responds to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPSFM). Developed by the Ministry for the Environment, the NPSFM (amended 2017) directs regional councils to manage water in an integrated and sustainable way, while providing for economic growth within set water quantity and quality limits. It requires the ORC to tailor its approach to water quality and quantity management to suit different river catchments or areas. ORC also needs to consider land use and development so that economic growth can be achieved while managing freshwater. To this end, ORC will be reviewing the existing Regional Plan: Water, including assessing all the existing objectives and policies, by the end of 2025. The result may be new or additional objectives, policies and rules introduced. One of the first major changes to be implemented is the requirement that regional councils establish Freshwater Objectives and identify Freshwater Management Units (FMUs) for planning and managing fresh water. A FMU can be a water body, multiple water bodies or any part of a water body determined by the regional council as the appropriate spatial scale for setting freshwater objectives and limits
Registration opens for new Wheels at Wanaka event STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Next Easter’s Wheels At Wanaka event, a new biennial vehicle show, rotating every other year with Warbirds Over Wanaka is now open for vehicle registration. The event is welcoming entries from all vehicle types. If it’s got wheels or tracks it’ll be on display. The vintage farm fair will celebrate 60 years of the West Otago Vintage Club, Vintage Tractors and Farming Heritage whilst little boys and girls (and big ones too) will love the CAT earthmoving extravaganza. There will be over 50 acres of entertainment; tractor dancing, melodious tones of engines, earthmoving PHOTO: supplied demonstrations, H W Richardson Group’s Transport World, Motorcycle Mecca and Dig This. Pictured: Event manager, Colleen Nisbet, behind All the event information, the vehicle registration the wheel of a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air (with thanks link and ticketing can be found online at to the very trusting Warbirds and Wheels Museum www.wheelsatwanaka.co.nz. and Diner).
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and for freshwater accounting and management. Each FMU must be defined so that its management responds to its particular issues and needs. ORC has set a completion date of April 2019 to have FMUs in place. A second key part of the process will be discussion with iwi, rural landowners, farming and other industry groups, rural and urban Otago communities, and other stakeholders to identify the values for each freshwater management unit. Tanya Winter, director policy, planning and resource management, said “Setting FMUs will allow us to move away from a region-wide ‘onesize-fits-all’ water management approach to an approach that allows us to meet the needs of each individual FMU. It will allow stakeholders in each community to have a say in setting the water values for their area.” ORC will also need to establish methods and rules to avoid the over-allocation of water, as well as rules to prevent or minimise adverse effects on the environment of any discharge of contaminants. Alongside this, the ORC will need to develop regional targets to improve the quality of freshwater in specific rivers and lakes. The NPSFM also seeks to improve the integration of water and land issues, so that fresh water resources, and the use and development of land are considered together in catchment areas. The current Regional Plan: Water remains in effect while this work is being carried out.
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GREBE DIARY 9
December 23 2018 I’m not sure if this is the quiet before the storm, or that it’s just going to stay quiet. See what you think! When all the nests got bombed a few weeks back, the pair on nest three, which lost its clutch of two eggs, moved to nest two and laid one more egg and that has now hatched. Another pair has moved onto nest three and presently has one egg, as do nests seven and 10. Nest 12 has two eggs and nest five and 11 have four eggs each. We can reasonably assume that the four egg clutches are complete, with the three single egg clutches yet to complete. There are three other pairs
prospecting, one pair had built a nest on a tyre that surrounds the base of a pole-they may be the same pair that have been trying to build on the back of an outboard motor. We discourage such activity. There was a time when I felt confident in predicting that the two egg clutches would advance beyond just two eggs, but given what has happened this season I am less confident about attempting that. Black-backed gulls notwithstanding, it has been a very slow season and at this stage it’s beginning to look fairly bleak with only ten chicks fledged thus far compared to thirty-six in 2016.
I wonder how many of you have noted a couple of strangers (ducks) in the Roys Bay area this year. The singleton that surprised me was an Australian Coot, looks very like a black teal or scaup, but has a white bill. There were two other duck species, namely the Muscovy and the Pekin/Peking. If any of you are having duck for Christmas PHOTO: John Darby dinner, odds are that it will be the Pekin and there are at least five of these in Roys Bay. One gone! Guess who? of them laid 14 eggs right next to our kayaks The adult was well looked after during and hatched all fourteen. Day two there were incubation. It took bread from the hands of ten little yellow guys peeping around, day friends while on the nest. three there were three and by day five all had – John Darby
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I read the article on Cork bar last week and being the co-owner and director of this business I felt it would be appropriate to reply. I have absolutely no issues with the ruling handed down regarding the application for the late licence but I would like to reply to the article in the Wanaka Sun [December 20] and clarify my thoughts and views. The whole process of “ being the first “ to challenge the community led “2.30am” closing time for Wanaka has been an interesting and learning process. The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 (SASOAA) allows bars to apply to trade until 4am and nullified any pre-existing rulings. My reason for applying was partly for business reasons (there being a few times a year when having a later licence would make financial sense and for the random nights when Cork Bar may wish to trade to say 2.45 or 3am - We currently close around 1.30am most nights so are definitely not a “ late night bar”). But I also applied out of curiosity of where the local community is at regarding alcohol sales and issues. It was clearly demonstrated that we have a great community that is willing to object and “fight” for issues they believe in (this has been demonstrated in many other issues facing our local community). The process was robust and educational, not just for me but the objectors, mainly the Wanaka Alcohol Group (WAG) and Police. The hearing was a great chance to meet and learn from people like Rachel Brown from WAG and Senior Constable Ian Henderson. There is a very strong desire to minimise any (and all) alcohol related problems in our community. Whilst I don’t believe that Cork Bar opening for a few hours more in a year would significantly increase these issues I do wholeheartedly agree with trying to minimise any alcohol related problems. The SASOAA sets very strict rules regarding excessive alcohol consumption and intoxication on any licence premises in NZ. Bars are a very small part of the alcohol problems we currently face in NZ society - uncontrolled drinking at home (preloading) being the number one issue. And as pointed out by the chairman Mr Unwin , approx 73% of all alcohol consumption in NZ takes place in the home, meaning licensed premises account for under 30%! Unfortunately one thing to come out of the hearing was the ridiculously low level of Police resourcing we have in NZ, and in particular Wanaka. Our officers do a great job here and work with a very limited level of resources, but the question is: should this fact determine how other business operate in our community? Should lack of Police resources (a government issue) be used to restrict the operation of our businesses/ activities? Generally as regards alcohol licences it does! And this was clearly one reason Cork was denied the late licence. Having no officers on duty after midnight five nights per week is definitely not an acceptable scenario for our community, it being such a busy tourist/holiday town. As for my ability to operate a bar that may open a hour or so extra on a few occasions a year I would like to clarify the misunderstanding as to why Mr Unwin was not convinced that I was a suitable person to hold a late licence. I have owned THE late night bar in Ponsonby , Auckland, for 20 years! I know exactly how to implement management and policies to deal with any late night alcohol issues. My error at the hearing was my naivety about how the hearing process went and I freely admit that I did not put forward any processes I would change to deal with any times Cork Bar would stay open later, incorrectly thinking that this information and changes would be applied if I did in fact get granted the late licence, and also assuming that the panel would impose conditions on my licence as they deemed appropriate. So I accept that it came across that I had not given any thought to how I would implement any changes when in fact I had discussed at length with my general manager and co-owner Nick as to what changes we would need to make (IF we got granted the extension). So yes perhaps a costly error on my part. What has become apparent from this whole process is that Wanaka has a great caring community , and people like Rachel from WAG should be applauded for the work they do. I did state at the hearing that Rachel’s arguments were very well thought out and that I very much agreed with her. I in no way want to be seen as the person who increases alcohol harm in our community. We should be proud of our Wanaka community spirit and pleased that we now have a new precedent for our community, that alcohol cannot be sold after 2.30am and one that I, as the co-owner of Cork Bar am very happy to accept. I wish to thank QLDC , NZ Police, the board (Mr E W Unwin , Mr J M Mann, Mr L A Cocks), WAG and the other participants for their time and effort in this hearing . Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year to you all. Jeremy Warnock
OPENING HOURS: 8AM TO 8PM 7 DAYS PAGE 12
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Hubs should welcome everybody
I see again that freedom campers are at the forefront of negative local news. Also the service hub in town and the Luggate site are being well patronized. Why is it so surprising to local councillors the numbers of campers using them? What I do find surprising, looking at the rules signage governing these sites, is to allow only self contained vehicles to stay overnight or use the hub. In essence the Council is providing toilets and showers for vehicles that already have these in place and prohibiting non self contained vehicles that do not. Does that not sound dumb, it does to me. It’s no wonder they are trying to be stealthy. Would it not be more logical to allow these non self contained vehicles to stay or use the hub? A friendly visit from the Responsible Camping Ambassadors should ensure people are pointed in the right direction. At least we’d know where they are and that they have options. Wheel clamping is insidious and disgraceful behaviour and has no place here. As for Dr. Fraser, seems she has a bee in her bonnet about anything being free. Are these freedom campers really freeloading or just wanting to spend their money wisely like filling our bars or jumping out of planes. Well done Dylan O’Neill for your thoughtful piece in last week’s edition. I totally agree. Anthony Marino
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
RESPECT
Some people think there’s a lot of tourist bashing - or, being more specific, freedom camper bashing - going on lately. Some people think it’s because it’s free, that they’re not paying their way. Some people think it’s barely concealed xenophobia. So let’s get this straight. Tourists are welcome, foreigners are welcome, even freedom campers are welcome. What is not welcome is the complete disregard for our countryside, our residential streets, our forests and tracks. What is not welcome is human poop and toilet paper, in any of those places, hell in any place other than a toilet. What is not welcome is piles of rubbish left out in the open, or even dumped beside bins (if a bin is full - take your rubbish with you to the next bin, if there is no bin, take it with you until you find a bin). So it’s not about these people budgeting the hell out of their oversees (or let’s be honest, domestic) trip. It’s not about them not spending money. You don’t need money to poop in bag and dispose of your movements in a sanity fashion. You don’t need money to dig a hole for your number twos. You don’t need money to take your rubbish with you. You don’t need money to leave no trace. You need respect. Which is one thing that is sorely lacking from a small but very - disgustingly - visible portion of our visitors. I for one will be only to pleased to report any of these disrespectful campers to council. Emily Moore
LETTER TO THE EDITOR 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.
WANAKA
In an effort to free up parking in Wanaka’s town centre, time restrictions have been placed in areas previously used for all-day parking. (Read Parking restrictions proposed on www.thewanakasun.co.nz)
Chris: Not much point in doing anything until there is effective enforcement. And where are the local workers supposed to park? Quentin: Chris we have more parking inspectors on this summer than ever before. As would be expected. Mary-Louise: It’s always reactive rather than proactive. Quentin: Mary-Louise, The town centre plan is exactly that. Proactive planning. These are necessary interim measures. And obviously has to balance worker and customer needs. You can’t have workers without customers. Sharyn: Agree with Chris- effective enforcement on the hour , and all this wouldn’t be necessary. Everyone can do their chores within an hour, otherwise think about your time management!! Meridee: Sharyn agree... enforcement would be great. 2 campervans sat in bus parking for 2 hours yesterday... made life very difficult for tourism operators picking up clients.
NEW YEAR’S EVE
CELEBRATIONS
Frances: The parking in town is scarce now QLDC will make it even worse. Quentin: Frances, doesn’t this free up parking for those accessing town? Frances: No Quentin, there are not enough parks now. The new carpark is so small and too far away. Town is only getting busier.
Main Stage - Wanaka Waterfront 8 - 8.30pm No Yet Rated 8.30 - 10.45pm Silkworm 10.45 - 1am The Hamiltones
Jasyn: All I hear is revenue collecting. Hope they are going to approve and have a public bus service at the same time for the workers that have to travel and work in the cbd.
DJ Stage - Helwick Street
Alex: One bus can cart 50, imagine even losing 50 cars from the inner city of Wanaka. Adele: The side streets (residential) will now be even more congested as the people working in town need to park somewhere as they keep the town going. living in the centre of town must be very frustrating, makes me glad I live in the country (ish) we need to be extra kind to each other, with the way the town is going.
9 - 11pm DJ Dan-O 11 - 1am DJ Ortega, DJ Optics, DJ The Wook & MC Tree
For more info visit www.qldc.govt.nz/events
Sarah: To think not so very long ago I use to cycle all around Wanaka and hardly saw a car - such dramatic change in such a short time.
THE WANAKA SUN
THURSDAY 27.12.18 - WEDNESDAY 02.01.19
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Sun Classifieds
thewanakasun.co.nz
TRADES AND SERVICES CHICKEN
CARWASH *NEW* Brushless carwash
HOT CHICKEN & CHIPS
Redeem your New World FUELUP fuel discount vouchers or use your AA Smartfuel card.
Open 6am-11pm daily
LAUNDROMAT LPG SHOWER ATM CONVENIENCE STORE CARWASH
NOW AVAILABLE AT CALTEX WANAKA
PAVING
Laundromat Shower LPG Brushless Carwash ATM Convenience store
PLUMBING
DRAINAGE
www.stonesetnz.co.nz
WANTED
Wanted by the Salvation Army Family Store, if any one has any spare pillow cases we would love them, please just drop them into the store, thanks.
The Salvation Army Family store would like used glass spice jars with lids, to donate these please just pop them into the store in Brownston Street.
Clean, dry, safe storage available now. Ezystor Self Storage, 12 Gordon Road, Wanaka, Ph: 021 242 1630.
Call for free no obligation quotes
0800 70 8000
WANTED
STORAGE
Serving Wanaka and Central Otago Regions
Resin bound paving specialists
l
PLUMBING
M: 021 709 918
l
GAS FITTING
HOUSESITTER
W: www.gwplumbing.co.nz
WANTED
THANKS
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.
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.
GW Logo Paths.indd 1
SERVICES
LAUNDRY
10/26/2017 11:38:28 AM
HOUSESITTER (Experienced with references) Available for January 2019. Pet sitting is welcome. Will maintain garden and lawns. Contact Guy on 022 175 7833.
CARPET & UPHOLSTERY
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. MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCY SUPPORT NUMBERS: Ring 111 if it is an emergency and ask for Police. Mental Health Support Line 24/7 free call/tx 1737. Southland Mental Health Emergency Services are on call 24/7 free call 0800 467 846 & 2 for Otago. Central Lakes Community Mental Health Team and Child & Family Mental Health Services, open Mon-Fri (excl stats) 034410010.
TRADES & SERVICES ADVERTS FROM
$36 +GST
PUBLIC NOTICE
EMPLOYMENT TECHNICIAN WANTED
NEW ZEALAND GEOGRAPHIC BOARD NGĀ POU TAUNAHA O AOTEAROA Notice of the Final Determinations of the Minister for Land Information on Official Geographic Names Pursuant to sections 20(2) and 20(3) of the New Zealand Geographic Board (Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa) Act 2008, the Minister for Land Information made final determinations on 9 November 2018 to alter the geographic names listed below, which took effect on 20 December 2018 being their date of publication in the New Zealand Gazette. For further information see: http://www.linz.govt.nz/regulatory/place-names/recentplace-name-decisions-and-place-names-interest/ Schedule Official Geographic Name
Geographic Feature Type
Description
John Creek
Village
A small village at the southeast corner of Lake Hāwea. NZTopo50-CA13 075555. Alteration from Gladstone (recorded name).
John Creek
Stream
A stream flowing for approximately 5.5km from the valley north of Breast Peak, through John Creek (village), and into Lake Hāwea. NZTopo50-CA13 115567 to 075556. Alteration from Johns Creek (recorded name).
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We require a reliable, trustworthy person in our local cleaning & restoration business. They would need to live in the Wanaka area and have a current drivers licence. We are looking for someone that has experience in carpet, upholstery and rug care. Also preferred someone who has worked in pest control and flood restoration. Please apply with CV to ch2nz@xtra.co.nz
PUBLIC NOTICE New Year’s Eve and Fireworks
Queenstown Lakes District Council will host the annual band performances and fireworks at Wanaka Waterfront on 31st December 2018. Performances will be from 20.00 to 01.00 hours. Plus a new DJ Stage on Helwick Street from 21.00 to 01.00 hours. For any information visit www.qldc.govt.nz/events or contact Craig Gallagher on 021 041 0812. THURSDAY 27.12.18 - WEDNESDAY 02.01.19
WAITER/WAITRESS Francesca’s Italian Kitchen currently require a full time waiter/waitress to work in our busy restaurant This is a long term full time position 30 + hours per week position. We’re looking for someone with some front of house experience, however full training will be provided. Must have love for Italian food and wine. Email your cv to fikmanager@gmail.com
SUN TEAM
WANAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER ISSUE 902 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: Emma Conyngham • newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz Allison McLean • journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Advertising: 021 956 740 • adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz Admin: Benn Ashford • 021 956 740 • admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Mail: PO Box 697, Wanaka Deadlines: Display Advertising Classified Advertising Subscriptions:
4pm Friday prior to publication. adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz 021 786 740 5pm Monday prior, Text: 0220 786 778 admin@thewanakasun.co.nz $175 within NZ (including GST) per year. Overseas rates on request. Remittances to PO Box 697, Wanaka, NZ.
THE WANAKA SUN
Sun Classifieds
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PUBLIC NOTICE
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.
Public Notice | P ā n u i Resource Consent Application RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ACT 1991
Details of the resource consent application and submission forms are available in the offices at Queenstown Lakes District Council, Gorge Road, Queenstown; 74 Shotover Street, Queenstown; and 47 Ardmore Street, Wanaka during normal office hours (8.00am to 5.00pm). You can also download these on our website. http://www.qldc.govt.nz/planning/resource-consents/notified-resource-consents-and-hearings/ 1.
Abbeyfield Construction Limited (RM181382)
Application under to undertake a two-lot subdivision of the subject site that breaches minimum lot-size standards and results in an increased site density. Application to amend Condition 3 of Consent Notice 10426702.2 in relation to maximum building height that will apply on the resulting lots from an existing 5m restriction to allow 5.5m height of buildings.
NZFT is New Zealand’s leading and fastest growing inbound tour operator. We own and operate 8 different brands creating holidays to New Zealand for people from all over the world, especially Australia, USA, Canada and the UK. We are looking for a few more people to join our team here in Wanaka to help us design great New Zealand wide holidays for our visitors. What we want. The facts:
• It’s hard work especially during the busy seasons. Our expectations on customer service are legendary in the industry.
The location in respect of which this application relates is situated at:
• Our customers are active every day and so are we – which means there are some rostered weekend shifts and public holidays. Don’t worry – you get paid extra for that!
299 Studholme Road, Wanaka
• Commitment to giving it your best shot.
ADDRESS FOR SERVICE FOR APPLICANT:
• You must be entitled to work in NZ for a minimum of 2 years.
Access to the proposed lots is to be via an existing ROW off Studholme Road
C/- Dan Curley dan@ipsolutions.nz IP Solutions Ltd
What you get. The facts:
The Council planner processing this application on behalf of the Council is Simon Childs, who may be contacted by phone at 03 441 0467 or email at simon.childs@qldc.govt.nz Submissions will be received until 8 February 2019, and must be served on the Consent Authority, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Private Bag 50072, Queenstown 9348 or email rcsubmission@ qldc.govt.nz. These must be dated, signed by you, and include the following information:
3 4 5 6
Your name, email address (preferred) postal address and telephone number. Details of the application in respect of which you are making the submission including location and the Resource Consent number. Whether you support or oppose the application. Your submission, with reasons. The decision you wish the consent authority to make. Whether you wish to be heard in support of your submission.
Any person may make a submission on the application, but a person who is a trade competitor of the applicant may do so only if that person is directly affected by an effect of the activity to which the application relates that: a) b)
adversely affects the environment; and does not relate to trade competition or the effects of trade competition.
• A full time well paid position. In year 1 we would be disappointed if you didn’t earn $75k – but that’s up to you! You can earn as much as you want to. • A constant flow of well qualified enquiry. • The best technology in the industry to help you earn the best pay in this sector of tourism. • Great support and training. • Modern office on Ardmore Street in Wanaka (Newmarket in Auckland) • And you work in travel – which means you get to go see and do things that our visitors do. • There’s more but the ad is too small! If you want to find out more then send Luke an email - luke@nzft.co.nz or just stick your neck out and apply with your CV and a letter telling us why you fit the above. Level 1, 93 Ardmore Street, Wanaka. 03 443 0812
You may make a submission by sending a written or electronic submission to Queenstown Lakes District Council (details below). The submission should be in the format of Form 13. Copies of this form are available on the website http://www.qldc.govt.nz/planning/resource-consents/
If not, email your address to admin@thewanakasun.co.nz or phone us on 03 443 5252
Is your Wanaka Sun delivered every Thursday?
We are growing again!
• We want people who are well organized and great communicators. We can train you on almost everything else.
What is proposed:
1 2
EVERY LETTERBOX EVERY THURSDAY
EMPLOYMENT
THE WANAKA SUN
Check us out here www.nzft.co.nz
Address for Service for Consent Authority: Queenstown Lakes District Council Private Bag 50072, Queenstown 9348 Gorge Road, Queenstown 9300
Email Phone Website
rcsubmission@qldc.govt.nz 03 441 0499 www.qldc.govt.nz
Dated: 27 December 2018 Signed by QUEENSTOWN LAKES DISTRICT COUNCIL
Private Bag 50072 | 47 Ardmore Street Wanaka Phone 03 443 0024 | www.qldc.govt.nz
N o t i c e b o a rd | P a p a P ā n u i Notice of Decision on District Plan Changes As of 27 December 2018, the Queenstown Lakes District Council gives Notice of the Council Decision on the following Plan Change to the Queenstown Lakes District Plan: Plan Change 53 - Northlake A plan change was sought from Northlake Investments Limited to modify the operative Northlake Special Zone. The key changes sought included modifying the Northlake Structure Plan boundaries to increase the size of the zone (Activity Area D1) where retirement villages and commercial activities are provided for. The plan change has enabled a single supermarket up to 1250m² gross floor area, and amended rules relating to the size and location of buildings adjacent to Outlet Road, fish and meat processing within Activity Area D1, Signs and a rule relating to the provision of community facilities. Where can I view the decisions? Read a full copy of the Council Decisions at the following locations: • QLDC website: www.qldc.govt.nz Go to Planning & Consents - District Plan Changes - Plan Change 53 - Northlake Free online access to these documents is available at QLDC Libraries and Offices. For further information on the Plan Changes, please contact Queenstown Lakes District Council on 03 441 0449. This notice is pursuant to Clauses 10 and 11 of the First Schedule to the Resource Management Act 1991.
Private Bag 50072 | 47 Ardmore Street Wanaka Phone 03 443 0024 | www.qldc.govt.nz
SPORTS RESULTS Please send sports results to sports@thewanakasun.co.nz by Tuesday at noon. Results should be unformatted and presented in the body of the email.
THURSDAY 27.12.18 - WEDNESDAY 02.01.19
PAGE 15
Sun Sport
thewanakasun.co.nz
Nico has best year of his life STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Winter Olympic bronze medallist Nico Porteous claimed the first World Cup medal of his career, a silver in the freeski halfpipe, to end 2018 on a high note. The FIS Freeski World Cup Tour moved to China last week with Nico Porteous and brother Miguel competing at Secret Garden Resort - the venue for the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games. “I had a goal this season to get a World Cup podium, so to do that at the second event of the year is incredible,” said Nico Porteous. “2018 has been the best year of my life so far, nothing could really top it.” Nico achieved the top qualifying score of 90.75 in the qualifying rounds, with Canadian Simon D’Artois qualifying in second place on 87.50 and Miguel through in third place on 84.75. Upping the difficulty of his tricks for the final, Nico landed an 88.00 on his first run of three but Simon D’Artois was also pushing hard and scored a 91.25. Nico improved to
PAGE 16
an 89.50 on run two with his run combination of left 10 double seatbelt, switch right 9 mute, switch left double 10 safety, right double 12 safety and left double 12 tail, but the Canadian also raised the stakes with a score of 92.00. On his third run Nico increased his amplitude and went for a 1440 on the final hit but couldn’t quite get there, finishing with a 1260, not enough to push his score up any further, while the Canadian increased to 93.50, claiming the gold medal and the World Cup leader’s yellow bib. “I am over the moon,” said Nico. “I didn’t land the run I wanted but the second run was good and I’m super stoked. It’s a really good day super good result.” American skier Hunter Hess finished in third place. Miguel Porteous finished in sixth place, scoring 78.00 on his first run but felt a tweak to the knee and bowed out of the rest of the final. Pictured: Nico Porteous, Simon D’Artois and Hunter Hess.
PHOTO: supplied
THURSDAY 27.12.18 - WEDNESDAY 02.01.19
THE WANAKA SUN