Festival of Colour
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Permission to Speak.
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P 03 443 0097 E info@fnwanaka.com
Cromwell to showcase vintage cars More than 100 MGs will descend on Highlands next week. 4 Clematis Court Wanaka
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Concerns voiced over no jumping sign
PHOTO: Wanaka Sun
ALLISON MCLEAN
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
T
he “no jumping” signs recently installed on the Albert Town Bridge have instilled reactions of frustrations in thousands of people. Locals have deemed the signs as a “ban on having fun” and pointed to a Change. org petition recently initiated to un-ban jumping off of the well-known landmark. The petition was started by Mount Aspiring College student Olly Thomas as he felt the "community wasn't being heard,” and it has circulated 4100 signatures by the time this article went to print. New Zealand Transit Agency (NZTA), which manages the bridge as it is on the state highway, placed the signs on the bridge around February 12 after the agency was approached by the local police who believed a sign would be a helpful deterrent to jumping for all people, including children. “We understand that the police were
alerted to the danger after the [Queenstown Lakes District Council] Harbourmaster was involved with the rescue of four people over 24 hours around Boxing Day 2018 after they’d jumped off the Albert Town Bridge,” said NZTA system manager Graeme Hall. “We understand there have also been other neardrowning events over the summer holidays under and near the bridge.” Hall noted the Clutha River below is fastflowing and, in some places, shallow, and said, “Given the risk to life of not only a bridge jumper, but also members of a rescue team and others using the water over the summer months, it was decided a sign could be helpful.” Sam Lee is a Wanaka ski racer and an avid supporter of un-banning Albert Town Bridge jumping. “The jump itself is not particularly dangerous; I have landed flat on my back and front without more than bruising,” said Lee. “There is no question that the river runs swiftly; is that the issue? Should
we ban people from swimming in the river all together? ... if they want to help keep us safe, it should be through signage that informs and educates people on the hazards; I'm all for that, not through outright bans.” According to QLDC, Harbourmaster Marty Black estimated six near-drownings from people jumping off the bridge since December 1. “He’s been on scene on a number of occasions, along with police, and, in two instances, commercial operator Go Jet has even been present and is probably likely to have stopped at least two drownings from occurring as a result,” said a QLDC spokesperson. Lee said he feels that rescue services exist as a backup plan for when things go wrong. “Six near drownings over summer is sobering for sure,” he said. “People overestimate their abilities; sometimes we need a helping hand, not a chastising parent. Rescuers need to accept that they will
encounter personal dangers in the pursuit of saving others; they work for the people and exist to uphold our Kiwi culture of adventure and giving it a nudge.” But the council spokesperson said “... such choices have knock-on effects to other river users, emergency services and commercial operators, and any incidents call upon resources and cost to respond.” Lee believed adventurous behaviour can benefit a person’s psychological health and well-being, which can, in turn inspire others and “contribute to a happy, colourful and productive community”. The bridge-jumping ban petition may not be in vain however as others options are set to be explored. Hall said, “We are aware that the QLDC deputy mayor has requested clarification on other safety options and we are happy to participate in a discussion to look at alternatives to the current sign.” No timeline has been announced on that possible discussion.
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Experienced jet boat racer dies on Clutha River
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Staff shortages pinching local businesses Emma Conyngham
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Low wages and overpriced accommodation; two of the main reasons people don’t stick around for long, are only part of a complex puzzle of the lifeblood that pumps through Wanaka. Country Taste Cafe and Store in Queensberry recently shuttered its doors due to lack of staff. The owners have taken a holiday while they consider their options. New World is currently recruiting for ten positions which is usual for this time of year according to Adrienne Taylor, Head of HR for New World. “It’s just as busy for us now but all the students have gone back to university,” she said. “So this is normally a difficult time to get staff, but this year does seem harder than before.” “It’s making it very stressful for other staff because they’re having to cover shifts; putting in extra hours, and extra days.” New World is used to having short-term staff, as the nature of a tourist town attracts itinerant workers. But the new immigration rules that affect who can work, and for how long, are also having an impact according to Taylor. Staffing shortages are part of a larger, more complex, problem of overall affordability in Wanaka. Soaring house prices don’t equate to soaring wages as many people scrape by on minimum-wage jobs. With Kiwibuild homes in Northlake, and possible affordable housing in Hawea, the problem is not solved because a cheap house for Wanaka at $600,000 is still more than twice, if not triple, the price of affordable housing elsewhere in Otago. QLDC Deputy Mayor and Cinema Paradiso owner, Calum MacLeod, said recruiting is currently very challenging and sees the accommodation dramas first hand; “One of my long-term staff ladies was paying $170 per week for a bed, in a sixbed bedroom,” he said. “That is abhorrent and it’s a local that’s charging that. If you’re on hospitality
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wages it’s very challenging and maybe if you’re a backpacker you can live like that but definitely not if you’re a local.” As a solution, part of the current renovation of Paradiso is to build staff accommodation above the theatre so that workers can afford to stay; which provides more security and continuity for businesses. Unfortunately, not all businesses are in a position to provide housing. But neither is council and, short of going back to the 1940s and building council flats, it’s largely up to the market to correct itself. “That’s why the Special Housing Area in Hawea and workers accommodation at [Mount] Iron Junction come up,” said MacLeod. “We’ve tried to look at supply and encouraging people who are developing, to develop and consider worker accommodation. I was at the recent hearing for the new Skyline building in Queenstown and I asked about worker accommodation as they are doubling staffing numbers but have no plan as to how or where they will live. As council you can ask that but you can’t require it.” Ignite Wanaka Chamber of Commerce executive officer Naomi Lindsay doesn’t have recent staffing data but said the trend was on its way last year. “Securing unskilled staff is the same as it was three months ago for 39 percent of businesses - 20 percent (compared to 9.43 percent previously) say it’s getting harder to find unskilled workers.” “The ability to attract skilled and unskilled workers appears to be getting harder, with a number of factors at play, such as higher operating costs, wages and the affordability of living in Wanaka often a barrier to attracting the right people. Businesses are having to look at new and innovative ways to find and keep good staff, while staying profitable.” In 2018, around 6 percent (down on 18 percent for 2017) of Wanaka employers pay unskilled staff minimum wage, 51 percent (compared to 58 percent in 2017) paid the living wage of $17-21, while 31 percent paid $21-24 an hour.
PHOTO: New Zealand Jet Boat River Racing Association
ALLISON MCLEAN
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
A man who died on the Clutha River last Sunday is being fondly remembered by family and friends, including those of the jet boating community. Cameron Douglas Moore, 45, of Christchurch, died at the scene when the race boat he was driving crashed into a steep bank upstream of Luggate Bridge during the Otago Rivers Jet Boat Race. His navigator, 34-year-old Adam Wilton from Rangiora, was flown to Dunedin Hospital with a concussion and broken fingers. Maritime NZ, assisted by NZ Police, continues to investigate how the accident happened. It is reported that, during the first of two afternoon race legs, Moore’s boat left the water on a straight section of the river and slid about 20m up a 40m sloped embankment. Moore, an experienced jet boat driver who competed globally,
THURSDAY 28.02.19 - WEDNESDAY 06.03.19
leaves behind his partner, a son, two stepdaughters and his extended family. He owned Ballinger’s Hunting & Fishing in Christchurch and was well-known in his recreational outdoor pursuits and support of jet boat river racing. In a media release, New Zealand Jet Boat River Racing Association (NZJBRRA) said they had lost one of their “family” members and extend their heartfelt condolences to Moore’s family. NZJBRRA president and fellow Otago Rivers Jet Boat Race competitor John Derry said on behalf of all teams, “We all know and accept the risk of competitive motorsport, but in our small close-knit jet boat racing community, this is a particularly difficult time. Our thoughts are with [Moore’s partner] Sharon and [Moore’s son] Seth, and Cameron’s parents, Merv and Gail.” Pictured: Cameron Douglas Moore, 45, of Christchurch died after his boat crashed during the Otago Rivers Jet Boat Race on the Clutha River last Sunday.
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Kahu Youth propose Lismore Park club rooms Emma Conyngham
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
The Wanaka Central Reserves Management Plan 2019 (RMP) was adopted by the Wanaka Community Board last week and it held potential good news for Kahu Youth. At the Hearing of Submissions for the Draft Reserve Management Plan in late 2018, Kahu Youth Trust’s Richard Elvey submitted that Kahu Youth was having to vacate its current premises, and the combination of high land costs and expensive rents meant that they had nowhere to go. “The need to move is twofold,” said Elvey. “The first is purely logistical as the intake has literally doubled in Year 7 at MAC in a year so you can imagine the knock-on effect it’s having with us. We literally are running out of space and [it’s] affecting our ability to do what we do.” “The other reason is that our lease is up. We have to move out at the end of this year. We’ve been grateful to the landlord and they’ve been generous to us but the time has come when we’ve got a kick in the pants to move.” At the hearing, Councillor MacLeod suggested that new premises could be developed for Kahu Youth on Lismore Park beside the water tanks. This would be an ideal location as the group used outdoor space all the time, it was close to Mount Aspiring College and it would occupy a dead corner of the park. The disc golf and bike course were nearby and were also popular with young people and the building would be available for these groups to use, meaning that it would become a new community facility. The recently adopted RMP has provisions for the establishment of buildings and related leases associated with community youth groups, recreational and sporting uses. Additionally, the Trust’s proposal has come at a time when QLDC has just published its research on ‘Our Community Spaces’ which was sponsored by regional funders Central Lakes Trust, Community Trust South and the Otago Community Trust. QLDC community services general manager Thunes Cloete advised the objective of the research was to understand what facilities are currently used, who uses them, and where opportunities lie for facility
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development in our growing district. “After carrying out the research, it is clear there is a real need for improved planning with community funders and community groups, and also a partnership approach across a wide range of stakeholders,” said Cloete. So far, Elvey has been impressed with all the feedback from council and affected parties. “I would say the response has been very positive,” he said. “They [council] were looking at legal ramifications but overall I haven’t had a single conversation where anyone had anything dissenting to say.” Kahu Youth has been planning for the move for a while and has collected a group of community organisations who are collaborating on the development and will use the multi-use rooms, including Coding Club, Wanaka Toy Library, Food for Love, Bike Wanaka, Disc Golf, and Aspiring Children’s Theatre. “Girl Guides are already using our crib and so does Presbyterian Support, so they will be coming along too,” Elvey said. “We’ve already been talking to the big funders and they have all been positive about capital funding as well as ongoing running funds.” The hearings’ panel supported the motion which enabled the presence and establishment of buildings associated with recreational and sporting users if a community need was established to the satisfaction of QLDC. This provided for the possible establishment of a new building for Kahu Youth without public notification about use of the reserve in this way. It was agreed that buildings should also have the input of the Urban Design Panel. In anticipation of success, the collaborative design process has already been done with the generosity of Stonewood Homes, who has done all the architectural plans and drafting for free. Kahu Youth also has the support of Placemakers for the supply of materials. “We need to go to the Urban Design Panel now,” said Elvey. “But we need the lease for the grounds first, but assuming it’s all okay, then we can proceed. The next QLDC meeting is in March and we are going to go straight for resource and building consent as quickly as possible.” Elvey is hoping for a six-month build and to be in by Christmas.
Car-free trial meets objection Ruth Blunt
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Last week’s news that Queenstown Lakes District Council is trialling a pedestrian area in Wanaka CBD which necessitates the closures of parts of Ardmore and Helwick streets has been met with some resistance. Residents have questioned the legality, and sense, of the move. Legally speaking, under section 342 of the Local Government Act 1974, QLDC can close roads on a temporary basis in accordance with Schedule 10. The delegation to be exercised for the trial road closures is under clause 11(b) of Schedule 10 and the chief executive holds delegation for decisionmaking under this clause. Council is not required to post a public notice about the temporary road closures under this clause, which provides for temporary road closure where “experimental diversions of traffic are required”. The delegation exercised by the Transport Planning Manager for the temporary parking restrictions is under clause 14(b) of the Traffic and Parking Bylaw 2018. “The chair of the Wanaka Community Board has been briefed and has provided confirmation that the Community Board is comfortable with the decision being made under delegated authority
kenwills
ALLISON MCLEAN
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
A new food and produce market will launch in Wanaka on March 13. The market will be held every Wednesday from 12pm until 4pm at the Wanaka Recreation Centre’s car park on Sir Tim Wallis Drive. Market-goers can expect a variety of food and produce stalls offering seasonal items, including spray-free and organic. The market's model is based on the Alexandra Friday Food and Produce Market, which started four years ago and is still going strong, adhering to its year-round focus on the ‘weekly shop’. Market organiser Adrienne Lamb is bring the same idea to
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in this instance. A report will be taken to the next Wanaka Community Board meeting confirming that the delegation has been exercised by the chief executive,” QLDC senior communications advisor Rebecca PItts said. Three disability parking spaces that are within the trial pedestrian area will be relocated with temporary signage in place. Provisions are also being put in place for tradespeople who have expressed concern that access to town centre locations will be cut off during the trial. “They will have access during set times’,” Pitts said. “Our activation project manager is speaking with them to determine the best set times and ensure their needs are met.” The activation team is also working with CBD businesses, and Ignite Wanaka Chamber of Commerce is working with council on tips for businesses to make the most of the initiative and test its success. Council is currently finalising a traffic management plan for the March 15-18 town centre trial, with the intention of having traffic management staff onsite. Pictured: Some residents are concerned the roading infrastructure can not handle road closures, such as those in place for Challenge Wanaka earlier this month.
Greenlight on Wednesday Wanaka Farmers’ Market
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Wanaka. “We will be starting small but with a great selection of all the basics for a weekly shop,” said Lamb. “We are aiming to have a good selection of options for people to grab lunch while they are there, which we anticipate will make it easier for people to make the best use of their lunch break if they work.” Lamb is still calling for local stallholders, but said the current produce range includes plants, freerange meats, fresh salads, gourmet pies, gluten-free foodstuff, Stewart Island salmon, bread and cheese amongst other artisan offerings. For more market information or to submit yourself as a stallholder, contact Lamb at aklamb@xtra.co.nz
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Council office refurbishment moves forward Ruth Blunt
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Stage Two of the refurbishment of the Queenstown Lakes District Council’s Ardmore Street office commenced yesterday with the delivery of the first of two relocatable buildings. Fifteen council staff are currently accommodated in the Ardmore Street office, with a further 15 temporarily housed elsewhere in Wanaka. When complete, all Wanaka-based council
staff will be located at the refurbished office. “Once the relocatable buildings are installed onsite, the Ardmore Street office will house up to 45 staff,” a QLDC spokesperson said. “This includes planners, building control and consent officers, parking and animal control, customer services, Property and Infrastructure, and Parks and Reserves representation.” The move, scheduled for today (Thursday, February 28), will take place in the early hours to avoid commuter traffic and minimise disruption.
QLDC property director Richard Pope said to ensure the relocatable can be easily moved into position on the foundations, the car park behind the QLDC office will be closed. “We have factored in a 24-hour timeframe to allow for any unexpected issues but we don’t expect the actual process to take a full day. Our aim is to reopen the car park to the community as soon as we can,” said Pope. The car park closed at 6pm yesterday (Wednesday) and will reopen after 6pm today (Thursday).
The Wanaka office refurbishment project was expected to be completed this month but has run into delays. A new completion date has not yet been released. “We are currently working through the programme schedule to determine the most efficient approach to complete the second relocatable delivery and the fit-out of the buildings, and ultimately what the completion date will be. As soon as this is finalised, we will communicate to the Upper Clutha community about these plans and key dates,” said Pope.
Edgewater seeks GM
PHOTO: supplied
STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Edgewater is on the search for a new general manager, following the resignation of Jon Brown. Brown will continue in his position as general manager for the next few months before moving to Australia to be nearer family in his native Tasmania. Chairman of the Edgewater Board of Directors, David Robinson, acknowledged Brown’s significant contribution as he approaches his sixth year at the hotel. “For four years he was our financial controller and played an integral role in our last major room refurbishment project. In more recent times, both as financial controller and as general manager, Jon has been heavily involved in the foundation work for our future development projects at the property.”
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Youth given Permission to Speak Ollie Blyth
Junior Reporter
One unique theatre show featured in the Festival of Colour programme this year is Permission to Speak, presented by Goya Theatre. The show’s cast, co-directed by Fiona Armstrong and Jonathan James, consists entirely of 21 Mount Aspiring College students who will be voicing the many problems faced by youth in the modern world. The directors are passionate about nurturing talent and are delighted to be able to put this performance in the hands of the students, and to share their stories with the community in April. Fifteen-year-old cast members Lucy Fenton and Evie Simonsohn, who feature in the promotional imagery, are excited about the opportunity to perform in the production. "I'm really excited for the Festival of Colour this year,” Fenton said. “I'm really excited to see everyone at the performance." Simonsohn agreed: “I’m very, very excited to watch it all come together. You know, when you start with nothing and just suddenly you have a huge show.” The students will start rehearsing next week for the six-night, eight-show run at the Wanaka Yacht Club. A key theme of the show is literally giving
PHOTO: supplied
youth permission to speak. From issues like body image, online safety, and locker room talk, the show will voice the many challenges that youth face in the present day. Armstrong said, “getting the younger generation in the theatre and the arts is the main thing.” Armstrong and James are GOYA Theatre practitioners, who met at The Actor’s Programme in Auckland. Armstrong is no stranger to the Festival of Colour: Before moving to Auckland two years ago, she
lived in Wanaka for five years. During her time here she was the assistant director of Festival of Colour show “Like There’s No Tomorrow”, among others. Armstrong was back in Wanaka last year filming murder mystery pilot “Constance” for TVNZ’s New Blood Competition. James is an Auckland-based performer, who originally trained in musical theatre. He has acted in numerous high calibre productions, including playing Danny in the Invercargill
production of Grease. Permission to Speak will run for eight shows during the Festival of Colour, spanning from Tuesday, April 2 to Sunday, April 7. Tickets are still available for the production online or by telephone on the Festival’s ticketing line at 022 4 TIX NOW (022 4 849 669). Pictured: Permission to Speak cast members and Mount Aspiring College students Lucy Fenton, Evie Simonsohn and Ollie Blyth (all 15 years old).
Cromwell to showcase vintage MG cars
PHOTO: Wanaka Sun
ALLISON MCLEAN
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
More than 120 people are polishing their vintage MG (initials of Morris Garages) cars in preparation for the 22nd Pre ‘56 National MG Rally in Cromwell from March 3 to 8. Sixty-five of the iconic British sports car brand, ranging from years 1930 to 1956, entered the historic rally, which is not to be confused with the National MG Rally which is open to all MGs of any year. A large Central Otago group of pre-1956 MG owners will attend, including seven Wanaka locals, with other entrants from around the country and a few coming from as far as France, United Kingdom, United States of America and Australia. Billee Marsh and her husband Wayne Marsh are co-organising the not-for-profit event; registration fees are solely based on the event’s operating costs. “The years 1930 through 1956 were specifically selected because these years contained a large range of (MG) models,” said Cromwell Rally Committee member Billee Marsh. “They include sports cars
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and saloons and represent the class shape of early MG.” The biennial rally alternates between the North and South Islands. It was last hosted in Whanganui in 2017, and it is for the first time being held in Cromwell. “We offered to host the 2019 rally because we think Cromwell and the Upper Clutha valley is a perfect fit for the week of planned motoring events,” said Billee Marsh. “We are keen to showcase the beauty of our area, its rich history, world class award-winning wines, local fruits and cuisine, the museums and Highlands Motorsport Park.” The four main events include: The Concours d’Etat is a beauty contest where the cleaned and polished vintage cars will be on display for judging at Highlands Motorsport Park on March 4. The public can view the cars for free from 10am until 2pm. “It’s not often that such a large gathering of all models of early MGs will be assembled,” said Billee Marsh. The Observation Trial sees the cars take off while navigating provided directions and answering questions along the way, on March
5. The public can watch the cars circuit in old town Cromwell before the vehicles depart on the Observation Trail at 9am. The Motorkhana event includes five driving tests based on precision and speed. The Autocross event will be also held at Highlands with timed laps on the race track. The car with the fastest time wins. “The purpose of the event is a gathering of like-minded enthusiasts who enjoy the competitive and social activities,” said Billee Marsh. “They look forward to friendships formed over the years of meeting up at each Pre ‘56 Rally.” Wanaka local Dorothy Dempster told the Wanaka Sun that she also enjoys the scenic drives and seeing the country’s beautiful surroundings during each rally. In other news, MG has recently been re-launched into the New Zealand market. Its parent company, Chinese car manufacturer SAIC Motor, will make its first official representation in the country’s market with a range of two SUVs and a small car. Pictured: Pip Chapman, John Gilks, Peter Duncan and Alex and Dorothy Dempster.
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Pooper caught red handed Capital Gains Tax: pain or gain for Wanaka?
Emma Conyngham
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
Whether to publicly name and shame tourists who defecate in the open is a matter for debate, and also for legal caution. It is far from clear whether photographing someone going to the toilet outside is actually legal - even if they are doing it in a public place. The photo in question has been censored by the Wanaka Sun due to the hazy boundaries around what constitutes public-private intrusion; it’s a battle of words that can be wielded many ways. Victoria University law professor, Nicole Moreham, said this is all about torts. A tort is a ‘civil wrong that causes a claimant to suffer loss or harm’. “One is taking the photograph or intrusion into seclusion, and the other is publishing it or giving publicity to private material. For both of those torts the question is did the person have a reasonable expectation of privacy?" “For a breach of privacy, there has to be a reasonable expectation of privacy, and publication needs to be highly offensive to a ‘reasonable’ person. Contrary to popular belief, there is no hard and fast rule that deems activities in the open public,” Moreham said. But the fact remains that tourists continue to defecate and locals are taking matters into their own hands. Geoff Stoddart took the image (above) on Wednesday, February 20, at the walk bridge over the West Matukituki River to the Otago Boys High School lodge. “This visitor ... dumped beside the walkbridge in spite of four cars parked there and
Emma Conyngham
newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: Geoff Stoddart
our photographer on the bridge,” said Stoddart. “[We] challenged him to ‘pick it up’ twice, and he reluctantly did so gathering the soiled paper part of his mess, but then threatened our photographer.” The incident has been reported to Wanaka Police to pursue. Police have said that 'Excreting in public' is an offence under section 32 of the Summary Offences Act and also may be an offence against local bylaws as well. In the case of a recent freedom tourist defecating in the Coromandel, a photo was taken by a concerned citizen who didn’t publish the image, but showed it to a Camping Officer who then issued a $400 fine. Police have no data on how many fines for defecation have been issued however that information is available under the OIA.
Special Show Pricing While Stocks Last
There’s been a lot of hand-wringing over the last week with Labour’s announcement of a Capital Gains Tax that is being considered by their Tax Working Group. The spat falls into two very clear categories: people who own property and businesses decry it as foul and unworkable, those without property praise it as a field-leveling tool which may, one day, enable them to enter the property market. Economists for both teams fight it out with their own statistics. National leader Simon Bridges says the recommendations from the Government's tax working group amount to an "assault on the Kiwi way of life"; a comment that met widespread derision on social media as people commented that owning multiple properties is not the ‘Kiwi way of life’ and shows how out of touch he is with a sizeable chunk of New Zealanders who struggle to put three meals a day on the table, let alone buy three houses. For a town like Wanaka which is overwhelmingly owned as investment properties or holiday homes, the impact of Capital Gains Tax could be significant. The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) is warning that there could be significant impacts for the real estate industry with investors looking to sell their investment properties ahead of any legislation being implemented to avoid paying tax on any capital gains. “At a time when we’re already facing a rental shortage and high rental prices, CGT is only set to exacerbate the rental shortage,” says Bindi Norwell, chief executive at REINZ. “From speaking to property managers and real estate agents around the country, feedback we’re hearing time and time again, is that if CGT is applied to investment properties then a number of investors will just call it quits and sell their investment properties ahead of CGT being implemented.” Leslie Preston, Founder of Bachcare says, “The holiday home sector is a significant contributor
PHOTO: Wanaka Sun
to visitor accommodation in New Zealand and many regions have a heavy reliance on holiday homes to provide accommodation, as there is little in the way of commercial accommodation. Without this accommodation option smaller regions would not benefit as much as they currently do from tourism. “A capital gains tax would be another disincentive to owning or continuing to own a holiday home. We accept that it is an asset for the owners but, for many, it isn’t an investment particularly if it’s been in the family for generations and it’s certainly not a lucrative business that should have further taxes applied to it.” But Quentin Landreth, Director of First National Wanaka, says that although he doesn’t support CGT, some of the opposition is an overreaction. “CGT is only paid on the profit. So if you’re making money then it’s a 30 percent adjustment,” he said. “If you are going to make $100k, are you not going to do it because you lose the 30 but still make 70?” “But I do wonder if you make a loss, are you going to get a credit?” he asks. “There’s still profit in it [property], and I believe it’s still better than giving to someone to fritter on the sharemarket. I don’t think it will affect rental stock in Wanaka,” says Landreth. “The CGT is a disincentive to sell so if anything, the rental stock will remain so the tax could stabilise the current stock if anything.” New Zealand is an anomaly in the OECD countries where 27 of the 36 countries already have some form of capital gains tax at an average of 18.4 percent according to the Tax Foundation. Australia has a CGT since 1985 but has done little to dampen property prices or development.
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Lake Wanaka Centre Cash sales from Gifted Design Store, 19 Helwick Street, Wanaka, or online Eventfinda. WCS subscribers $30; non-subscribers $35; Children/Students free. Cash door sales from 6.30 pm. Presented by Wanaka Concert Society. Supported by QLDC. THURSDAY 28.02.19 - WEDNESDAY 06.03.19
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Big changes to home-based early learning
NATURE - A monthly column by your local branch of Forest and Bird
ALLISON MCLEAN
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: supplied
Not running at a loss – Preserving our natural capital If you run a household or a business you know that resources are not limitless and you’re probably not going to consume all that you have today and not worry about tomorrow. Oddly, this simple concept of finite resources is not considered in mainstream (neo-classical) economics, where constant economic growth is the aim while ignoring the world's diminishing supply of resources. In our businesses and households we realise this doesn't make sense, but collectively we seem to be applying different logic in devouring all we can today and assuming everything will be okay tomorrow. But it won’t be. Just like a business or a household can exhaust all its capital with dire consequences, our society could similarly exhaust our ‘natural capital’, the stock of ecosystems that play a fundamental role in supporting economic output and social wellbeing. When natural capital is gone, the ‘ecosystem services’ it provides are also gone – services given to us freely like clean air, fresh water, fertile soil, a benign climate, etc etc etc. To avoid ecological bankruptcy and the economic and social collapse that will follow, we need to rethink how we value nature. Terms like ‘natural capital’ and ‘ecosystem services’ do not form part of our everyday conversation, but maybe they should. What nature provides is seen as free. We don’t put a price on the air we breathe, the forests that prevent floods and landslides, and the wetland that filters the water that ends up in our beer or cup of tea. These services are not given dollar values, but they are as essential to economic and social wellbeing as anything we can buy! We quantify the costs of rearing a cow and the profit from selling her milk. Perhaps we should also place a value of the ecosystem services provided to such a business, and understand the costs if these services are lost. The beneficial relationship between nature and human wellbeing has long been recognised, but until recently it hasn’t been accounted for and is not part of most bottom lines. Some economists are now doing this, and value global ecosystem services at about NZ$200 trillion
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per year (NZ’s GDP was NZ$300 billion 2017) and in NZ at about $60 billion per year. What is becoming rapidly and tragically apparent is that we have already cashed up much of the world’s natural capital. And through things like climate change and the crisis in our rivers, we are now beginning to see the consequences. And if things don’t change, it is only going to get worse. But what can we do about it? Securing large areas in their natural state and ensuring they remain as functioning ecosystems are essential steps in protecting natural capital. Large intact ecosystems provide the most significant ecosystem services from which we benefit, and are generally the most resilient to climate change. Protecting these places is in all our interests. We are blessed with huge natural capital in the catchments of Lake Wanaka and Hawea. As a community we have already secured much of this area by retaining it in public ownership in protected areas like the Mount Aspiring National Park and the Hawea Conservation Area. Unfortunately, these ecosystems are under assault. Introduced possums are devouring the canopy, and the native birds that play an important role in maintaining the health of the ecosystem are being slaughtered by predators like rats, stoats and cats. Well-meaning community groups and tourism operators push for more access and infrastructure that ultimately degrades these ecosystems to some extent. On the front line of protecting our natural capital are scores of volunteers who trap predators and undertake regenerative plantings in critical areas like Makarora and the Matukituki. Groups like Forest and Bird also make submissions on development plans that will impact ecosystem services. If you think protecting ecosystem services for tomorrow is a good idea, join or support one of these local groups by investing some time or money in our natural capital. Evan Alty is a retired solicitor and Chairman of the Central Otago Lakes Branch of Forest and Bird. Pictured: Ahuriri River. By Evan Alty, Forest & Bird
A new national policy will attempt to raise the quality and professionalism in the home-based early learning sector. Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced a regime last week that will require home-based Early Childhood Education (ECE) providers and carers to become more fully-qualified. The move aims to professionalise government-subsidised education and care of young children that takes place in the educator’s home or in the child’s home by requiring the carers to have or be working towards the benchmark qualification of a level four ECE certificate, which is one year beyond top high school exams. “We’ve heard from educators and parents about the unique place that home-based learning holds, in particular the family-feel it provides, with small groups and close relationships,” said Hipkins. “But, we have also heard concerns about inconsistent quality across the sector, due in part to inadequate government oversight.” He said home-based educators are not required to hold a relevant qualification and noted that the proportion of services with qualified educators has declined over the last decade. “Evidence suggests that an ECE qualification supports educators to provide children with stimulating, warm and supportive early learning experiences.” Hipkins said he will consult with the sector to determine an implementation time frame for the qualification requirement, but would start by changing the criteria to encourage home-based services to employ a qualified workforce. “Te Ara Tuarua, the level five kãhanga reo qualification, will also be recognised as an equivalent qualification for funding purposes,” he said. “Recognising Te Ara Tuarua in home-based ECE is an important step towards providing more opportunities to use te reo Mãori across the wider early learning sector.”
Some of the country’s home-based ECE Association members who have English as a second language have indicated concerns around being able to obtain the required qualification. “It is likely that our higher requirements and greater scrutiny will result in some providers exiting the market or moving to informal arrangements that no longer receive public money,” said Hipkins. “These are most likely to be providers where educators are au pairs or family members, or the service specialises in short-term care arrangements.” Babysitters and grandparents looking after family members will not be affected by the change as they do not currently receive a state subsidy. When asked for comment in response to the recent announcement, a PORSE spokesperson said, “PORSE really feel listened to. Many of the proposals PORSE suggested during the [2018] Home-based [ECE] Review have been implemented. We are very excited to work alongside the Ministry to get a better in-depth understanding of the requirements.” In 2017, PORSE designed a level four ECE and Care programme that reportedly met the needs of its educators and the wider ECE sector. “Our programme continues to support our educators, families and community,” said the PORSE spokesperson. “We strongly believe that quality and practice-based education produces positive outcomes for children. Currently, a third of our PORSE educators have successfully completed the level four ECE and Care qualification which puts us in a really good position to meet home-based education standards.” Home-based early childhood education has been the fastest growing part of the early learning sector, receiving over $150 million each year in public funding. In 2018, 18,267 children received education and care from a home-based educator, which is a 65 percent increase over 2007.
We are looking for volunteers for a variety of roles on course and at Glendhu Bay. Dollar donations for fundraising groups are available. Weekend 9/10 March Please get in touch: volunteer.queenstown@ironman.com or call Suze 021 351 903
Wanaka Skin Cancer Clinic
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Book your 30 minute appointment and see our GP’s who specialise in skin and skin cancer management. Biopsies can be taken and liquid nitrogen treatment is available if necessary. We will photograph and record anything of concern for reference so we can monitor any changes in your skin over time.
ph: (03) 443 0710 23 Cardrona Valley Road, Wanaka www.wanakamedical.co.nz
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CLT funds snow equipment ALLISON MCLEAN
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Cardrona-based Snow Farm New Zealand is one of the first Central Lakes Trust (CLT) 2019 grant recipients and is receiving funding to use towards the purchase of a new snow groomer. The charitable trust and crosscountry ski farm near Wanaka received $96,000 of the $300,000 distributed by CLT during this funding round; the snow groomer is critical to maintain Snow Farm operations. A Snow Farm spokesperson said they cannot confirm any further details at this stage. The farm operates year-round,
providing heavily discounted rates in the ski season and bike and walking trails the rest of the year. Snow Farm was one of the applicants to use the new CLT online application system that now allows users to easily track their application progression and manage their grant. Other local applicants included Holy Family Catholic School, which received $34,180 to be used toward a creative play space. CLT’s chief executive Susan Findlay said the Trust’s annual grants budget is $8.5 million and the latest rounds of grants takes the total approved for this financial year to almost $5.9 million.
Cromwell’s new community celebration STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Connect Cromwell is hosting the first ever Greenway Festival - a free, fun community celebration - next month. Local community groups are invited to showcase their achievements, and to host an old-fashioned game or competition such as treasure hunts, egg-and-spoon races and gumboot tossing to add to the fun. The event will also serve as the official launch the Community-Led Development Programme in the Cromwell District. “Community-Led Development is all about the people who are affected being able to influence the things they care about,” Connect Cromwell comanager Susan Curran said. “The newly established five-
year partnership between Connect Cromwell and the Department of Internal Affairs will bring resources and support to enable the community to come together, turn ideas into action and build on the things we love best about living here.” In addition to the fun and games, there will be a community brainstorm session facilitated by community empowerment specialist Cissy Rock to identify and discuss ideas for future community projects. Residents will be invited to share their ideas both big and small. Community groups that would like to be involved in the festival can contact CC co-managers Susan Curran or Cathy Williams at info@ connectcromwell.nz. Greenway Festival will be held at Cromwell’s Anderson Park on April 14.
PHOTO: Freeride World Tour
Thompson wins first European comp of 2019 ALLISON MCLEAN
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Wanaka’s Ronan Thompson has won his first European competition at the 2019 Freeride Junior Tour Championship in Fieberbrunn, Austria. Thompson nabbed the top spot in under-18 men’s snowboard after competing last weekend and Wanaka’s Alistair Garland locked in second place in under-18 men’s ski. Only a handful of the world’s top snowboarders and skiers were invited to the championships. Thompson’s next stop is the Freeride World Tour Ordino Arcalis Andorra 2019 from March 2-8. Thompson, who was born in Raglan, fell in love with snowboarding at 10-years-old during a trip to Turoa ski field. He moved to Wanaka in 2013 to
compete in the junior snowboard nationals. He has competed and trained in slopestyle and halfpipe, but he encountered a few setbacks due to injury before switching to freeride snowboarding. Thompson said he worked all summer as a delivery driver and waiter to pay for the costs of representing New Zealand during the this European tour; he also has raised $853 on his Givealittle.co.nz page to help offset his costs in order to be able to attend all of the competitive events. He said his long-term goal is to become a better rider and to reach the world stage of snowboarding by representing New Zealand in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China. Pictured: Wanaka local Ronan Thompson won his first European freeride competition in Fieberbrunn, Austria, last weekend.
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Community questions new waste plan ALLISON MCLEAN
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: Wanaka Sun
ECO Fund recipients celebrated STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Te Kakano Aotearoa Trust and Wanaka Water Project were two of the nine recipients of the ECO Fund’s first funding round of the year. Te Kakano received $15,000 to improve on the work currently done by nursery staff. The funding will go towards allowing staff to run more nursery, plant watering and maintenance sessions, develop more resources for schools, and respond more effectively to the increasing interest the nursery is gaining. Wanaka Water Project received $12,500 which will go towards the costs of a project leader. The Wanaka Water Project undertakes strategic riparian planting, research on the effects of urban stormwater in partnership with the University of Otago and the development of a community-led integrated catchment management plan. Otago Regional Council staff and councillors held an afternoon tea in the Council Chambers for the recipients of the past two rounds of the ECO Fund, with Councillor Michael Deaker presenting the grant recipients with certificates to formally acknowledge their project funding. “The ECO Fund was set up to support our community in looking after Otago’s environment. All of these groups have had amazing
collaboration with their communities which is why we are so pleased to support them,” Deaker said. The ECO (Environment. Community. Otago) Fund is an ORC initiative started in 2018 to support community-driven projects that protect and enhance Otago's environment. To date, ORC has provided $166,666 to ECO Fund recipients. January ECO Fund recipients also included: $13,000 towards the cost of invasive weed control at Te Nohoaka o Tukiauau Sinclair Wetlands; $15,656 to enable the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre to introduce Marine Metre Squared tools for groups to monitor coastal change; Save The Otago Peninsula received $7379 towards control of the invasive weed, banana passionfruit; $2500 towards a silt fencing trial to reduce soil in waterways in the Waiwera and Kaihiku catchment; $1770 to restore Weston School’s Skink Friendly Garden; $3361 for an instrument to test nitrogen, phosphorus and ammonia in water to add to NZ Landcare Trust's water quality sampling kit; and $2500 towards the cost of running the Wild Dunedin Podcast. The ORC’s ECO Fund next funding round takes place May 1-20, 2019. Pictured: Bullock Creek Wetlands re-vegetation was undertaken by Te Kakano in collaboration with Otago Fish & Game.
New regional council science manager STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Dr Julie Everett-Hincks has been appointed as Otago Regional Council’s new science manager. ORC chief executive Sarah Gardner said the Otago region faces a number of challenges, in particular freshwater, climate change, biodiversity and urban development. “Dr Everett-Hincks will bring the robust, scientific, evidence-based rigour we need to tackle these challenges and inform good decisionmaking in our region,” Gardner said. “Julie is recognised in the community both as someone with outstanding scientific achievements, and someone who is a great ambassador to the farming community. She will be an integral part of our ongoing commitment to protect and enhance Otago’s environment.” ORC pointed to Everett-Hincks’ rural background, her nationallyrecognised achievements in agricultural research and her most recent legal qualifications which make her “perfectly suited to lead the science team”. Everett-Hincks said there is room
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in her role to have a real and positive impact on our unique region. “I’m excited to integrate my science research background with my legal and policy training, to think beyond sustainability now, and look towards regenerating our region for the ora [wellbeing] of future generations.” After attending South Otago High School, Everett-Hincks gained a Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree, Master of Applied Science degree, and a PhD in Animal Science from Massey University. She has worked for the Wool Board, Southland Polytechnic, and AgResearch at Invermay. Her work on improving lamb survival won her national recognition, and in 2016 she became the first woman to receive the Sir Arthur Ward award from the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. In more recent years, she has completed a Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Otago and worked with Professor Mark Henaghan providing legal advice to the Royal Society Te Apārangi’s Gene Editing Panel. She was also appointed as a nonveterinary member of the Veterinary Council of New Zealand in 2018.
The journey toward the Queenstown Lakes being a zero waste community involves a new district-wide rubbish and recycling collection service for residential properties, which, in turn, is generating several questions from the community: What about rural area waste pick up? How will organic or green waste be handled? What happens if I don’t fill up my provided rubbish bin? The Wanaka Sun fielded these questions from our Facebook page and delivered them to Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) for a response. Noting the new waste collection service information printed in the QLDC Scuttlebutt newsletter published today, a QLDC spokesperson said, “There is likely to be a number of questions from the community as we roll out the new service and we will do our best to ensure people have the information they need to make the transition as smooth as possible. Rural areas will deal with their waste in the same way they always have; however, blue bags will no longer be available.” QLDC will not be refunding the cost of unused blue rubbish bags, therefore residents are encouraged to only buy what they need during the next few months. Council will outline how the new bins are paid for in its 2019/20 Annual Plan consultation document, due for release next month. “Our preferred Waste Minimisation and Management Plan programme includes a focus on glass recycling and organics collection,” said the QLDC spokesperson. “Glass recycling is up first and will be launched as part of the new service on July 1 and we will be looking at whether to bring in organics collection at a later date.” QLDC will collaborate with Waste Management New Zealand Ltd and Wanaka Wastebusters on the waste management and services plan and will deliver the ratepayer-funded wheelie-bins directly to front doors as early as next month. Upper Clutha
PHOTO: Supplied
can expect to receive their bins between May and June, starting with Makarora, and the new service will kick off on July 1. The bins include 240l for mixed recycling and 140l for glass recycling both collected kerbside on alternating weeks and 140l for waste collected kerbside every week. QLDC has said streamlined services enable the flexibility to respond to future changes in the waste space and also improve the safety of their collection service by moving to an automated system as wheelie-bins help reduce the risk of windblown litter and animal strike. For more information on these services, see page 10 of QLDC’s latest Scuttlebutt newsletter (available with this week’s paper) or view it on the council website. Pictured: Recycling crates will be replaced with wheelie bins under the system. QLDC is still working on a plan for the collection of the old crates and will share more details on that soon.
Dr Susie Meyer is Retiring In 1995, Dr Susie Meyer launched her fledgling practice - Aspiring Medical Centre - as a sole practitioner and Wanaka’s first “lady doctor”. She worked out of a room behind the dental surgery in Brownston St and on her first day of consulting she saw 9 patients. How times have changed! Twenty four years on and thousands of consultations later, Susie has decided that it’s time to move on from general practice and make time for some new challenges and adventures. We know that her patients (and we) are going to miss her enormously. We’re full of admiration for the dedicated care that she has given to so many people over the last 24 years and for the leadership, energy and commitment she has given to AMC. We are happy for her that she is making space for new things, but are also very sad to be losing her. We know that you will join with us in thanking Susie for the contribution she has made to Primary Health Care in the Upper Clutha community and wishing her all the very best for the next chapter. Susie has sold her shares in Aspiring Medical Centre Ltd to Dr Mark Edmond who has been working in the practice since 2013. We are delighted to welcome Mark to our leadership team and look forward to having him as an integral part of the practice over the coming years. www.aspiringmedical.co.nz | 03 443 0725 | 23 Cardrona Valley Road, Wanaka
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Veg growers preserving summer STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Wanaka Vegetable Growers Club is hosting local chef Lucas Parkinson to speak about ‘preserving summer’ at its March meeting. The club meetings are an interactive way to learn about growing food, network with like-minded people and share knowledge. Annual club membership is $10 until its June renewal date. The meeting takes place at 7pm, Monday, March 4, upstairs in the Harcourts auction room at 17 Helwick Street.
PHOTO: supplied
Dry weather warning for Otago farmers STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Some areas of Otago are becoming dry, and with little rain on the long-term weather forecast Otago Regional Council is asking farmers and other land users to conserve water. ORC manager of environmental services, Martin King, said, “We want to remind people who irrigate to be mindful of their water use consent conditions and responsibilities, and to actively monitor how much water they are taking. “Last summer we had a long dry spell and a
number of people did voluntary water rostering,” he said. “Thanks to people working together, we avoided the needed to stop water takes.” King said the ORC team has increased monitoring of water levels in rivers from monthly to fortnightly to ensure its live data is accurate. Low river levels can cause river plants and aquatic life to become stressed or die, and can raise river temperatures, potentially encouraging algal growth. Live water flow information can be accessed at www.orc.govt.nz/waterinfo, and low flows that may be impacting on freshwater plants or animals can be reported on 0800 800 033.
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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…
High Country under the spotlight Reilly K Kim Regional Policy Manager, South Island Last week, in two strokes of the pen, the government proposed sweeping changes to high country pastoral lease land. The Crown owns approximately 1.2 million hectares of Crown pastoral land, most of which is in the South Island’s high country. The Crown began leasing out this land to farmers in the 1850s, with the harsh land not considered viable for nonfarming purposes. Over time, the Crown passed the lessee ownership of any improvements, such as buildings, fences, and improvements to soil on that land. Leases became perpetually renewable, extending significant rights to leaseholders. That came with responsibilities, including the lessee being required to spent significant money, time and resources keeping on top of pests and weeds. Until now the only way the government could effectively get back full rights to that land, was to either buy it back or trade other parts of land for it, as part of the voluntary tenure review process. The government just proposed two major changes that affect leasehold land. The first was that it was ending tenure review. The Minister had flagged this previously, so it is not a huge surprise. The next was that a range of further changes to the management of Crown pastoral lease land was now open for public consultation. In our view, the cessation of tenure review – alongside alternatives, options and repercussions - should have been part of this consultation. The package of changes proposed could significantly toughen a leaseholder’s ability to get discretionary consents to carry on activities beyond grazing, including opening up any such proposals to submissions from a range of environmental and other interested parties. It is also proposing a lot more monitoring, and giving greater powers to the Commissioner for Crown Lands, who would become more accountable to whoever was the government of the day. This could become an erosion of the Commissioner’s independence. Even more disappointing, despite referencing QEII covenants as an
invaluable tool to protect land, this government has decreased funding to this critical entity, reducing the ability of those landowners who want to do the right thing and covenant the special parts of their land. While there has been public criticism at the profits made by some landowners benefiting from the outcome of previous tenure review processes, the government’s ending of tenure review doesn’t right those wrongs, or redress that situation. Nor does it acknowledge the huge range of positives, such as the expansion of the conservation estate or improved public access, which have resulted from previous tenure review processes. Tenure review has not caused all current problems, nor will its removal solve them all. The Resource Management Act provides the regulatory basis of sustainably managing New Zealand’s land, air and water. Most districts and regions are well into producing second-generation plans. Environmental groups and the Director General of Conservation have been heavily involved in these processes – including challenging many council decisions in the Environment Court - with mediated agreements approved as sufficient and appropriate. These new endorsed plans have not yet had a chance to show the benefits to landscape and biodiversity protection, so it is misleading to imply that current measures are not sufficient. What is evident from both announcements is that the government’s desire to protect biodiversity and landscapes on leasehold land remains, but the desire to compensate for this may not. There is a risk that large amounts of leasehold land could potentially become a quasi-conservation estate, funded, managed and maintained by private leaseholders, without the option of tenure review. People have until April 12 to submit on these proposals and we strongly encourage landowners and leaseholders across New Zealand to sit up and pay attention to what is being proposed, and to have your say. It is high country under the spotlight today, but could well be you tomorrow.
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Wanaka postal services may relocate ALLISON MCLEAN
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
New Zealand Post is searching for a Wanaka-based business or local agency to help deliver current postal services and bill payments. These options are currently available from the Wanaka NZ Post and Kiwibank branch on Ardmore Street; however, Kiwibank have announced they are opening a standalone branch in town. NZ Post representatives did not comment on Wanaka’s Sun request to learn why the search is taking place for a hosted agency partner. When asked whether Wanaka NZ Post services will be relocating, a NZ spokesperson said, “the Wanaka branch of NZ Post is not closing”. She said the postal services and bill payments will move to a partner’s premise once a local agency has been confirmed. The spokesperson said this isn’t a new strategy for NZ Post as this model has been implemented in more than 800 locations for many years around the country. “It helps us to stay in local communities as we deal with the challenges around mail decline (60 million fewer letters were delivered in the last financial year
compared to the previous year) and increases in our parcels business,” she said. “But, we believe it’s [a] winwin; many of the businesses we partner with are actually open for longer hours than traditional post shops are and are often open on Sundays, which is good news for our customers. It’s good for the businesses we partner with as well as it can help strengthen the business, and they often enjoy more customers coming through their doors to use postal services.” Not all of NZ Post’s business partners operate under the same hours; however, if the business is open on Sundays, it is likely postal services will be available on Sundays as well. The spokesperson said NZ Post is committed to Wanaka and that this strategy will help them to stay in the community. “There is no timeline on how long the search for a suitable partner will take; our focus is to just find the best possible partner to work with.” NZ Post head of retail Mark Yagmich said they want to reassure customers that there will be no change to postal services for Wanaka NZ Post and Kiwibank branch customers and added they will work alongside Kiwibank in keeping their staff, customers and local community informed.
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PHOTO: Warbirds Over Wanaka
ALLISON MCLEAN
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Warbirds Over Wanaka (WOW) International Airshow will give its Easter 2020 visitors a chance to help offset carbon emissions by donating $1 to the event’s ticket price. WOW Community Trust will also match the donations one-to-one to help offset carbon burned during the show. The new Carbon Offset initiative is part of WOW’s Sustainability Programme, which follows Warbirds signing up to the New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment last year. After the 2020 airshow, the funds raised will be donated to a local planting project to help enhance waterways around the area. It is reported that Wanaka may the first airshow in New Zealand, and possibly Australasia, to adopt this kind of initiative. In related news, WOW Community Trust chairman John Gilks recently announced a $20,000 donation to Wanaka Water Project; the money will be used to plant approximately
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24,000 trees around local waterways during the next five years. “A number of years ago we partnered with Wanaka Wastebusters to divert as much airshow waste from landfill as possible,” said WOW general manager Ed Taylor. “This has been a big success with all sorting of waste done on site resulting in tonnes being recycled instead of being dumped. The Wastebusters team does a fantastic job and we get lots of feedback from visitors who attend airshows all over the world saying ours is one of the cleanest they have been to.” He said they are working alongside Wastebusters to show exhibitors and vendors how they can minimise event waste. “It seemed logical to us to extend our sustainability programme to include trying to offset as much of our carbon footprint as possible,” said Taylor. WOW International Airshow will be held at Wanaka airport from April 10 to 12 next year. Pictured: Harvard formation over Lake Wanaka in 2018.
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GREBE DIARY 18
Crimeline
February 24 2019
HENDERSON I Ian Senior Constable, NZPD It’s been a while since I was able to sit down and crack out a ‘Crimeline’ but not much changes, still plenty to write about these days: On Tuesday, February 19, Police dealt with an incident involving harmful digital communications between two young people. With a plethora of options in multi-media these days more of our time is spent with these complaints, many of which deal with property fraud. On Wednesday, Police charged a man with shoplifting from the Wanaka New World and he heads to Court this week. The CCTV there is particularly good. On February 21, Police were called to a Wanaka address where two people from out of town were having a disagreement. Unfortunately both were breaching their Court bail conditions and were arrested and transported to Queenstown for Court. Police also assisted a female who was having some thoughts of self-harm and came to the Police Station for help. On Friday, Wanaka Police attended a vehicle crash at Makarora involving a motorcycle and a campervan. Fortunately both were travelling in the same direction, resulting in only minor injuries to the motorcycle rider. On Saturday one of our highway patrol staff stopped a vehicle towing a boat in the Lindis Valley after it was clocked at 145kph. A drink-driving charge resulted as well as instant loss
PHOTO: Wanaka Sun
of licence for travelling more than 40kph above the speed limit (90kph). I wonder if he made it to the start line for the jet-boat race? Also on Saturday a paraglider was winched off a cliff face near Pakituhi Hut at Breast Hill near Lake Hawea after injuring himself, thanks to all those involved in the rescue. On Sunday emergency services dealt with the fatal jet boat crash on the Clutha River about 2km downstream from the Albert Town bridge. Maritime NZ is conducting an investigation as to the cause of the crash. In the meantime, remember the care required to travel safely on our roads these days - wear seatbelts, safe following distances, be wary at intersections and avoid using cellphones while driving. Distraction is the number one cause of vehicle The diary season is as long as the grebe breeding crashes in NZ. season, and I am not sure if that is useful Have a safe week. information, but it is another way of saying this will be the last for the year. Not totally surprisingly, nest six gave it up and abandoned her nest, nest three is hanging in, but I think that that will be it. It has been an interesting season for no more reason than we were able to confirm that blackbacked gulls are probably the most significant predator of chicks and eggs of all other birds on Lake Wanaka. We have also confirmed that harrier hawks are not innocent bystanders and they too are taking a toll. Amendment to March Meeting Schedule The grebe news is getting out, however. Neville Additional Meetings: Peat, the well-known Otago and national author, has Appeals Subcommittee – Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown. Thursday 7 March 2019 dedicated a full page to the grebes in his new guide/ at 12.30pm. souvenir book on Wanaka and just before Christmas Note: this meeting has been rescheduled from the original date of 28 February 2019. we were approached by Te Papa, the National This meeting will be held with the public excluded, pursuant to Section 7(2)(g) and Section 7(2)(i) of the Museum of New Zealand for information on what Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987. we are doing down here. They are revamping their Traffic and Parking Subcommittee - Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown. Tuesday 26 natural history displays and have approached a March 2019 at 10.00am. Note: this meeting has been rescheduled from the original date of 26 February 2019. number of groups involved in the conservation of a native species. Their intention is that the work of Resource Consent Hearing (G Rodwell RM170628) – Copthorne Hotel, Corner Frankton Road and these groups will be featured in the new displays, Adelaide Street, Queenstown. Friday 29 March 2019 at 10.00am. and the Wanaka grebes project has been invited to submit stuff. We have provided cellphone video Closure of Streets to Ordinary Vehicular Traffic clips, interviews and stills, and much of that has
N o t i c e b o a rd | P a p a P ā n u i
PURSUANT TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1974, notice is hereby given that the following road will be closed to ordinary vehicular traffic for the purpose of holding the annual Wanaka A & P Show 2019: Road to be Closed:
McDougall Street from Ardmore Street to Brownston Street, Wanaka
Period of Closure:
0800 Wednesday 6 March 2019 to 0800 Sunday 10 March 2019
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
It will be an offence under the above regulations for any person otherwise than under authority of an authorised permit to use the roads for ordinary vehicular traffic during the period of closure.
Water-powered complex
Closure of Streets to Ordinary Vehicular Traffic PURSUANT TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1974, notice is hereby given that the following road will be closed to ordinary vehicular traffic for the purpose of holding the 2019 Motatapu Sporting Event: Road to be Closed: Period of Closure:
PHOTO: John Darby
been handled wonderfully by Vicky Sandford and her family; so it is to them that I proffer my thanks for all that work, but also for all their support over the last four grebe seasons. Brian Anderson also willingly provided a copy of his very professional video on the breeding cycle of the grebe for this exhibition. At this stage we have no idea of how much and what will be used. There are many others I need to thank, including those very tolerant boat owners who have allowed us to tether a nesting platform to their berths at the marina and just offshore. Without that support and that of the Marina Board, we simply could not have achieved what we have. Paddle Wanaka have continued to supply muscle and Simon Max Bannister, a recently recruited artist to Wanaka, provides inspiration as well as muscle. The many young Grebies that help out are so very welcome as they bring a sense of joy and enthusiasm to what we try to do. Dr Maggie Evans looks after the The Lake Wanaka Grebes Facebook page. Without the skill and patience of the editor of the Wanaka Sun there would be no story, but above all I have very much appreciated the financial support of Wanaka Beerworks LakeCider Southern Grebe Edition. It has lifted a huge load off my shoulders. Thank you all. – John Darby
Motatapu Road (from Wanaka – Mount Aspiring Road intersection) Saturday 9 March 2019 from 0400 to 1300 Sunday 10 March 2019 from 0600 to 1000
It will be an offence under the above regulations for any person otherwise than under authority of an authorised permit to use the roads for ordinary vehicular traffic during the period of closure.
How fortunate and lucky are the owners of marina terrace apartments? From our observations and calculations (be it from the other side of a fence!) and over a relatively dry summer. The constant volume and velocity from the running water could turn a big enough turbine to supply the planned complex with most, if not all its power consumption. I’m sure the developers with their consultants have got this all in hand. Not only will this be enormous monthly savings for the owners, but an easy sell for renting, and instant increase in value to the property. Well done. M Hadida
Private Bag 50072 | 47 Adrmore Street Wanaka Phone 03 443 0024 | www.qldc.govt.nz
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THURSDAY 28.02.19 - WEDNESDAY 06.03.19
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Conservation losing its way?
I was saddened but unsurprised to read Anne Steven's Forest and Bird endorsed article, "Lets Lose the Love for Lupins" in the 07.02.19 edition. It is not lupins that have caused the degradation of our river ecosystems as claimed, but centuries of fire, grazing, and more recently, hydro-electric infrastructure, mechanical interference by river engineers, water extractions, and toxic chemical applications by over-zealous conservationists. Before this onslaught of human interference, our high country basins and rivers were covered with forest, shrubland and wetland ecosystems (read "Vegetation History of the South Island High Country", Matt McGlone, 2004 for a summary). The braided rivers were contained to only the most dynamic upper parts of our watershed, above the glacial lakes. Tussock grasslands were also less widespread, and were restricted to alpine and sub-alpine regions. Lupins, like all invasive plants, are simply part of nature's restoration suite. They reclaim bare earth, prevent soil erosion, rebuild the soil food web, reverse dehydration processes and begin to pave the way for other plants to establish. Sadly, the conservation movement in Aotearoa has lost its way in the morass of eco-fascist propaganda. Too much emphasis is placed on spreading hatred through the community and poison across the land, and on holding nature in its current state of degradation. Conservation efforts should be underpinned by a respect for nature's wisdom, and a desire to work with contemporary ecological processes rather than against. Nature wants to reclothe the land that has been laid bare, and we should allow her to do so. We can add in and support the native flora and fauna that we love so dearly, but to destroy all else is foolish. I would like to know how LINZ, DOC and QLDC plan to remove lupins from the Lindis and Cardrona riverbeds? I'm guessing they will be spreading herbicide across our riverbeds for years to come? Is our community really comfortable with this? I'm am not. Name supplied
Sponsored by
Forest & Bird (Wanaka branch) responds:
Your correspondent is correct that our river systems have been degraded by “fire, grazing... hydro-electric infrastructure, mechanical interference... water extractions…” but wrong to add “toxic chemical applications by over-zealous conservationists…” to this list of horrors - we are not aware of any incidence of lupin control being shown to degrade rivers. To this list might more appropriately be added nitrate loading from animal waste and the introduction of alien organisms such as didymo. Contrary to what your correspondent contends, lupins are not part of nature’s restoration suite, quite the opposite. The absence of vegetation on the active floodplain is a fundamental indicator of a healthy functioning braided river system. The constantly shifting channels of water and regular flood events maintain a wide, open, gravel floodplain with at most only low sparse vegetation on older surfaces. This is not a state of degradation; this is the natural state that lupins disrupt. Your correspondent also incorrectly asserts that lupins “begin to pave the way for other plants to establish” when in fact they do not allow native plants to establish as they form a dense repressive cover and physically displace native species. The correspondent is also wrong in stating braided rivers only occur above the glacial lakes. The braided riverbeds of the mighty Ahuriri/Waitaki, Rangitata, Rakaia and Waimakariri rivers flowed from the alps to coast long before humans arrived. The open gravel riverbeds of braided rivers are part of a special and globally rare ecosystem. They are essential for the survival of our unique and threatened braided-river birds, such as the wrybill/ngutuparore, black stilt/ kāki and black-billed gull/tarāpuka. Rather than being “over-zealous conservationists...[spreading] ecofascist propaganda”, Forest and Bird members are a regular people who love nature, but don't love lupins!
PHOTO: Supplied
PAINTBALL PAINTBALL CENTRAL CENTRAL
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Call our commercial team today
Duncan Good 0274 448 321
Anna Findlay 0274 383 640
Ray White Wanaka 03 443 8912 1 Helwick Street, Wanaka wanaka.nz@raywhite.com www.rwwanaka.com Wanaka Real Estate Ltd (Licensed REAA (2008)
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CROMWELL
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
DOC response to Tenure Review in Hawea
“As part of the Lake Hawea Station tenure review, approximately 4,704 ha was dedicated to conservation. This resulted in the formation of eight conservation areas and two lakeshore reserves in the most significant natural areas on the property which are now protected as public conservation land. Sixteen threatened species present include the critically endangered Otago and grand skinks, the acutely threatened plan Leonohebe cupressoides and the chronically threatened Olearia fimbriata, which are all protected. In 2008 the critically endangered western population of grand skinks were nearing extinction. As a result of the Lake Hawea tenure review, the largest known western population of these skinks is now protected on public conservation land. A sustainable management covenant means approximately 2,295ha of degraded sub-alpine tall tussock grassland is being also restored with stock limits and a vegetation monitoring programme in place. A further 20ha is subject to a conservation covenant to protect a population of Galaxiid and a stand of the rare native shrub Hebe cupressoide. Public access has been created for recreational tramping, hunting, mountain biking and horse trekking across 33km of farm tracks. This includes part of the Te Araroa Trail route where the Pakituhi Hut was built for walkers. Conservation gains also include: The protection of 2538 ha of conservation area that contains an altitudinal sequence of intact indigenous vegetation between Timaru Creek and Breast Creek which includes beech forest, mixed grey shrubland, narrow leafed snow tussock and slim snow tussock. This area contains seven nationally threatened plant species. A popular fishing and hunting area, made up of 500 ha of beech forest and grey shrubland near Timaru Creek has become conservation area. The majority of the upper western facing slopes of the Grandview Range visible from Lake Hawea is now a 1680 ha conservation area. It includes a diverse range of native plant communities including pockets of beech forest, grey shrublands that include a number of nationally threatened species, rock bluff communities and tussock grasslands. The property is highly visible from Hawea township and West Coast SH6. The significant eastern glacial wall of the Hawea / Upper Clutha Valley lies within the property. It is a distinctive and highly identifiable part of the Hawea Basin landscape with steep, rugged and visually impressive slopes. The landscape is benefiting from the removal of stock and pastoral management practices. Ecological restoration benefits will take time but based on other examples we expect the new public conservation land to benefit from conservation management. Tenure review is a negotiated process which can result in the fragmentation of ecosystems. We can’t account for what’s happened for the eco systems or species on the land that has been designated freehold. Jeremy Severinsen, DOC Director for Tenure Review
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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: 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:
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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.
EMPLOYMENT
MEDIA SALES CONSULTANT The Wanaka Sun is seeking an enthusiastic, driven and outgoing salesperson to join its media sales team. This person should possess outstanding sales experience and honed customer service skills. We value candidates who are passionate about growing our existing accounts while proactively pursuing new accounts, and identifying roadblocks and obstacles to increasing business. You will be selling across both our print and digital platforms. Your position will be dedicated to growing the business and will require you to generate leads from an existing network as well as from other sources. Our ideal candidate will have: • A good telephone manner and persuasive ability • Confidence and an outgoing personality • The ability to build relationships with customers • Diplomacy and patience • The ability to work under pressure, and meet targets and deadlines • The ability to negotiate and problem solve • Strong oral and written communication skills • Confidence with technology and proficiency in Google Drive • Strong decision-making skills
Applications close on Monday, March 11.
Apply with a current CV and cover letter to Benn Ashford, admin@thewanakasun.co.nz THURSDAY 28.02.19 - WEDNESDAY 06.03.19
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Wanaka Salvation Army Family Store. Opening Hours – Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, Saturday 9.30am – 4pm. We look forward to seeing you here! Donations kindly received. Please drop them into the Salvation Army Family store or ph 443 5068 to book a pick up. 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.
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 is desperately needing good quality mens clothing and shoes. If you could please just drop these into the store or phone for a pick up for large amounts. Volunteers welcomed 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 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.
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EMPLOYMENT
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ENJOY DRIVING?
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• Full-time or part-time position • Fixed-term to 13.12.19 Closing date: Thursday, 7 March 2019. For further information please contact Jan Strachan, Recruitment Advisor - Strategy, Primary and Community Directorate, Phone (03) 214 5770 or Email: jan.strachan@southerndhb.govt.nz
Ritchies Wanaka is looking for reliable drivers. Enjoy the Wanaka lifestyle while you earn. Become part of a large, well respected, privately owned and operated New Zealand company. Do you ? • Have a good driving record • Have New Zealand citizenship or residency
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I Dig Earthworks Requires a labourer for general labouring work.
Contracts Administrator
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SERVICES FOODBANK - available for people in need. Contact Community Networks your local hub resource hub for social wellbeing services. 03 443 7799. JP SERVICES are available at Community Networks every Tuesday from 1pm-2pm and Friday from 10:30-11:30am. Please book your appointment by ringing Community Networks on 03 443 7799. WHEELS TO DUNSTAN have a shuttle service available to Dunstan Hospital or Alexandra specialist appointments, also linking with the St John Health Shuttle to Dunedin Hospital. For bookings, please call Community Networks on 443 7799. FREE COMPUTER LESSONS for older people. Community Networks is offering one-onone lessons in your own home on your own device or at our offices. If you are interested please call into Community Networks or phone 443 7799. FREE LEGAL ADVICE from Community Law in Dunedin are next visiting on Wednesday 6th March from 1-2:30pm. Call Community Networks on 443 7799 to make an appointment.
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The Friendliest little Backpacker in Wanaka is looking for a new manager! This is a hands-on full-time role that would suit an outgoing person who is well organised, has good communication skills, can manage staff and guests, is conversant with book-keeping programs, online booking platforms and social media, has good home handyperson skills and high standards of cleanliness and integrity. Previous experience in the accommodation industry would be an advantage. If this sounds like you then please email a CV and cover letter to; The Manager at Mountain View Backpacker 7 Russell Street, Wanaka | Email stay@mtnview.co.nz
G.J. Gardner Homes is NZ’s leading group housing company. We are looking for a Full Time Contracts Administrator to join our Wanaka team. We are seeking a person with strong administration, organisational and coordination skills. You will be self-managing, possess excellent interpersonal skills and top presentation. Accounting ability and computer literacy skills including excel and word are essential. A knowledge of house building would be advantageous but not essential. This role will appeal to someone who enjoys a varied workload and has a “can do, will do” flexible attitude. Key Responsibilities: Maintain accurate contract documentation & management, creditors and debtors, financial reporting and general admin support. Applications Close 6th March 2019 Forward C.V and Cover Letter to veronica.blasby@gjgardner.co.nz GJ Gardner Wanaka 03 443 2196
If you believe you have the necessary attributes and can provide positive input in a team environment, please forward your application now.
www.gjgardner.co.nz
Accounts / Administration Contract Terms: Maternity Leave Fixed Term Contract May 2020 (opportunity for further employment at the end of contract) Hours: Mon-Fri 9-3 (or flexible to suite applicant) About the Company Stonewood Homes Central Otago is one of Central Otago’s busiest new build housing construction companies. Based in Wanaka, offering an incredible lifestyle opportunity in the Central Lakes District. In an ever growing industry, there is no one day that is the same. We place a big emphasis on teamwork and taking pride in our brand name. We have a team of 12, good mix of personalities which create a fun work environment. A good sense of humour and a can do attitude is a must in this role! About this role: We require someone that is an Administration Superstar, dealing daily with a variety of tasks and assisting all areas of the business when needed. The main aspect of this role would be Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable. Knowledge of Builder Trend and Xero would be an advantage, but not a must as full training will be given. Key Roles: • Greeting clients and visitors, responding to enquiries and requests for information • Accounts Payable - Entering of supplier invoices - 20th Month Payment Run • Accounts Receivable - Raising of stage payment invoices and variations to clients • Bank Reconciliation • Administration - Masterbuild Applications - Client Sign Up Folders - Stationery • Assisting the team in any administration aspects
An excellent local opportunity NO FEE WANAKA COURSES
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For further information please contact: Mylrea Bell Tel 443 1738, Cell 027 443 9942 email: myl@xtra.co.nz www.twoa.ac.nz
SPACES ARE LIMITED – 2019 CLASSES START SOON
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PAGE 15
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Hall recognised at Halberg Awards STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Wanaka’s Adam Hall won the ISPS Handa Para Athlete/Team at the 56th ISPS Handa Halberg Awards during a ceremony at Spark Arena in Auckland on February 21. The Para alpine skier headed off Para swimmer Sophie Pascoe, Para canoe racer Scott Martlew and fellow Para alpine skier Corey Peters. Ten awards and a Sports Hall of Fame inductee were presented during the live ceremony to honour and celebrate New Zealand sporting achievement in 2018. Shot putter Tom Walsh claimed the top sports honours for 2018, winning the ISPS Handa Sportsman of the Year for the second consecutive year before being presented the supreme Halberg Award by Rob Waddell. Walsh edged out freeskier Nico Porteous and motor racers Scott McLaughlin and Scott Dixon to claim the ISPS Handa Sportsman category. Lisa Carrington claimed the High Performance Sport New Zealand Sportswoman of the Year award for her third year running. The canoe racer, who claimed a gold and three silver medals at the Canoe Sprint World Championships, was named ahead of squash player Joelle King, horse rider Jonelle Price and snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott. The Black Ferns Sevens claimed the ISPS Handa Team of the Year honours. Gordon Walker was named the Buddle Findlay Coach of the Year for a third consecutive year. Maddison-Lee Wesche won the Sky Sport Emerging Talent award. Footballer Anna Leat’s successful penalty shootout against Japan, leading New Zealand into the semifinal of the Fifa Under-17 Women's World Cup, was chosen as New Zealand’s Favourite Sporting Moment of 2018. The annual Awards is the major fundraiser for the Halberg Foundation, the charity set up by Olympic athletics champion Sir Murray Halberg (ONZ), which aims to enhance the lives of physically disabled young New Zealanders by enabling them to participate in sport and recreation.
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PHOTO: Jason Kerr
Local snowsports instructors Europe bound ALLISON MCLEAN
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
A few Wanaka-based ski and snowboarders are being sent to Bulgaria to share their knowledge next month. The crew are part of the New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance (NZSKI) Ski Technical Team who will be attending the six-day Interski 2019, the largest international congress involving representatives from ski, snowboard, telemark and adaptive disciplines between more than 35 member countries in Pamporovo on March 12. The quadrennial event was last held in Argentina in 2015. The NZSIA Ski Technical Team includes eight skiers, four snowboarders, two telemark representatives and one adaptive representative alongside NZSIA president Peter Clinton-Baker and Cardrona Alpine Resort general manager Bridget Legnavsky who will travel with the team and deliver a presentation on
the New Zealand ski industry. “Each team has prepared snow and indoor presentations, which will be themed around the future of snowsports nationally and internationally,” said NZSIA representative Richie Johnston. “We will post updates on the Interski blog and social media channels [Facebook and Instagram]. We plan to gather information about the progression of snowsports education, connect with other nations and learn ways [on] how our NZSIA membership can work in international schools, et cetera.” Johnston, a Wanaka-based snowboarder who is instructor training with Treble Cone’s Rookie Academy and is a Snow Sports NZ Boarder Cross and Banked Slalom coach, will be attending his second Interski. He said NZSIA has seen a large increase in foreign membership in the last 20 to 30 years prior to predominantly serving Kiwi snowsports instructors since its
1971 establishment. “We see ourselves as one of the leaders in snowsports education and have a close relationship with the very successful NZ coaching pathway, SnowSports NZ,” said Johnston. “[We are] proud to say New Zealand has an excellent reputation when it comes to a progressive educational system, for example eLearning, translated manuals and global courses. The NZSIA Trainers are an international mix of experience and knowledge.” Johnston said the team will travel to various New Zealand snow schools this snow season to share the knowledge gained from Interski 2019. Pictured: NZSKI Ski Technical Team - (Front row) Garett Shore, Greg McIntyre, Marti Smith, Jon Gass, Colin Tanner, Josh Duncan-Smith, (Back row) Dave Taylor, Richie Johnston, Claire Dooney, Keith Stubbs, Yusuke Inoue, Daniel Bogue, Celine Arnold, Sem Walls and Harry McFadden.
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Wanaka Lifestyle Village + Expected completion date for Stage 1A — April 2020 + Owners capture the capital gain + Quality residences offering relaxed secure retirement living + Lovely private clubhouse, gym, spa, theatrette, lounge and bar
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THURSDAY 28.02.19 - WEDNESDAY 06.03.19
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