21- 28 Mar 2019 | Edition 914

Students strike for a better world

INSIDE THIS WEEK Views: Page 13 Jobs: Page 15 Sport: Page 16

Hundred of students march for action.

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Town trial Debate continues.

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thewanakasun.co.nz

THUR 21.03.19 - WED 27.03.19

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EDITION 914

Upper Clutha residents come together to mourn Emma Conyngham

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

L

PHOTOs: Allison MacLean

ast Friday’s senseless act of hate has drawn New Zealanders towards each other in beautiful acts of solidarity.

About 1500 people gathered at Wanaka lakefront on Monday night to reflect and to mourn. The mood was quiet but there was also a sense of communal earnestness - to connect, to love, to reach out and be a part of the solution. ''On Friday we lost fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters,'' said QLDC Deputy Mayor Calum MacLeod. ''These were people who chose a safe haven in a life full of hope. To the living you are us. You belong here. We stand with you. To the perpetrators of such unthinkable hatred, we say, we will not tolerate you. Our

nation will build from this and we will not allow you to force us to live in fear.''

MacLeod urged those at the vigil to ''reach out'' to the Muslim community. ''We are all hurt by these events in different ways. This is a time to come together.''

One small way Wanaka residents can reach out and act tangibly, is to support the Queenstown Muslim Community who are trying to establish the first mosque for the region. They have a contract on an old church which is already zoned as a place of worship but need to raise money to pay the deposit.

Details on how to help with fundraising are on their Facebook page www.facebook.com/ queenstownmuslimcommunity.

Pictured: Around 1500 local residents and visitors united in grief by Lake Wanaka on Monday.

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Lakefront closure divides opinion

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New school breaks ground Emma Conyngham

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Last Thursday, March 14, the new Wanaka South primary school EBOT held an open home session beside its Three Parks grounds to reveal its plans and inform local families on what the new school will look like.

Principal Jodie Howard says the event was very successful and there was a great turn-out. “The event was designed to be a relaxed affair where people could pop along any time and chat informally to the Board members, architects or myself,” she said. “We wanted people to be informed, have their questions answered and to get as excited as we are about our new school. Having the plans and concept drawings of the buildings, landscape and teaching and learning spaces displayed gave people a clearer idea of the vision behind the design and layout. It was wonderful to chat with people and to start to connect with the community that will surround our school. We will continue to keep everyone up to date with progress and further face-to-face gatherings will be planned through the rest of the year.”

In keeping with a modernised approach to learning, the class spaces are what the Ministry of Education call ‘Modern Learning Environments’ or ‘Flexible Learning Environments’ and now

‘Innovative Learning Environments’ (ILE).

These spaces are created to maximise learning opportunities and allow children to learn in different ways and in different settings.

“Education has changed significantly in recent times; a student’s ability to problem solve, be creative, work collaboratively and show resilience are just as important in the curriculum as their ability to remember information, follow instructions or complete tasks. Classrooms or learning spaces are now much more active places, providing students not only with the opportunity to learn new things, but also to put that learning into action through investigations, inquiries and real life projects.”

The flexible design ensures it’s not fully open (big barn) or fully closed (individual classroom).

Environments that are flexible are able to create larger and smaller spaces by using moveable walls, agile furniture, sliding doors, breakout spaces as and when they are needed for different learning purposes.

For kids who just want to have fun out of the classroom, Howard ensures that “The physical environment is very important to us and we want to provide many opportunities in the outdoor areas for play-based learning, exploring and socialising.”

Pictured: Artist’s impression of the new main entrance.

Enrol for referendum before April 9 Emma Conyngham

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

On June 5, 2019, a poll will be held by postal vote over the whole of the Queenstown Lakes District using the first past the post electoral system. To ensure you have your say in the referendum, you must be on the electoral roll by April 9.

The poll is to provide an indication whether the local population would support a visitor levy to help pay for much-needed infrastructure.

Details on how the levy is to be collected is still to be decided.

The poll is non-binding because QLDC needs government to change legislation and therefore the referendum results will be presented as a ‘recommendation’. However, Housing and Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford said if a referendum showed clear support, the Government would consider any necessary legislation.

A preliminary electoral roll for the referendum can be inspected at the following Wanaka locations

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during normal office hours until Tuesday, April 9: Wanaka Service Centre, 47 Ardmore Street; Wanaka Library, Dunmore Street. During that period electoral rolls will also be displayed in the Hawea Library, however viewing hours will be restricted to the library’s opening hours.

Electors may enrol or amend their enrolment details on the residential electoral roll by completing an enrolment form available at Post Shops, calling 0800 ENROL NOW (0800 36 76 56); visiting www. elections.org.nz; or free-texting their name and address to 3676.

Updates to the preliminary electoral roll close at 5pm on Tuesday, April 9.

Applications for registration as a ratepayer elector are to be made on the non-resident ratepayer elector enrolment form available from Queenstown Lakes District Council offices or online and must be returned to the Electoral Officer before 5pm on Tuesday, April 9.

The voting period for this poll will be from May 14 to June 5.

PHOTO: Wanaka Sun

Emma Conyngham

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

The recent trial closure of the lakefront has divided locals into those who love it and those who hate it, almost in equal measure if debate around town is anything to go by. There were heated exchanges online where critics and supporters battled it out; mostly over traffic and parking with a number of voices in support for local retailers who have reported material suffering through the experiment.

Businesses on lower Helwick Street reported they were down 12-41 percent over the same time period as last year. On Ardmore Street, Snack Shack Kebabs reported it was down 50 percent over the trial period. Businesses affected by the pedestrianisation are calling for council to assess the trial’s impact on all stakeholders.

QLDC Councillor Quentin Smith says, “While there were some quiet periods, having been in town much of the weekend there were no shortage of people in the streets overall, to say otherwise isn’t accurate. Data is more accurate than feelings however and I await the feedback including trading data from tenants.”

Many online comments involved vehement criticism of QLDC for implementing something that no one wanted, without realising that the trial was a response to the overwhelming feedback to last year’s consultations where locals requested a pedestrianised lakefront with no cars.

Dorothy Dempster who is a longtime local, loves the idea.

“Yes, it’s [pedestrianisation] desperately needed but I think the trial has been badly done,” she says. “I’ve been here 50 years and the town has changed and people have to expect it to change. But [with the lakefront pedestrianised] I would be proud of how our town would look.”

Parking and traffic management seemed to illicit the most negative

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feedback rather than the actual closure of the lakefront itself. Jon Bull, from Lake Hawea says, “These changes are geared for tourists and people that provide tourist businesses. I don’t know where they are going to put the parking.”

Ian and Fiona Aitken say they are concerned about traffic being pushed from Lakeside Drive to Brownston Street, so that people divert through Upton, Tenby and Warren streets.

“These streets are congested already with cars and there are a lot of kids on these streets,” says Fiona Aitken.

“It looks like what they are building is for tourists, not locals. It will all be high-end cafes and restaurants and tourist shops and locals get pushed out to Three Parks. We live 5km out of town so coming into town and seeing the view is a highlight. But if all our services such as groceries and banking will be in Three Parks then we will miss the most beautiful part of living in Wanaka.”

A council representative says, “We’ve heard a range of views on the activation trials in Wanaka Town Centre over the weekend which is fantastic. Although we’d like to acknowledge there is some work to be done in collaboration with the local retailers if pedestrianisation is to be considered permanently in the future.”

“It’s important to note that if the area was to be permanently pedestrianised, solutions to improve access and parking would be implemented prior. We are suggesting some ideas for how that might work through the Masterplan options currently out for feedback.”

“Feedback on the Masterplan options closes on March 31 so we encourage people to take a look online at letstalk.qldc.govt.nz and have a say. The feedback will be collated and analysed following that.

No recommendation on whether to permanently pedestrianise the area will be made until the Masterplan is complete later in the year.”

Pictured: Wanaka Town Centre Masterplan options are open for feedback until the end of March.

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Likely fault line under Wanaka Ruth Blunt

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PHOTO: Ollie Blyth

Students strike for a better world Ollie Blyth

Junior Reporter

Last Friday, students across the globe walked out of school to protest the little action being done by high ranking world leaders to combat global warming.

About 200 Mount Aspiring College students flooded the Wanaka lakefront on Friday afternoon to participate in the international strike. This was part of the School Strike 4 Climate movement, inspired by 16-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg who has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for sparking the international movement. It has been estimated that at least 1.5 million students participated in over 110 countries.

Ben Pell, a year seven student at the school, is part of MAC’s Team Green group who helped to organise the protest.

“We protested because climate change is a big problem and politicians aren’t doing anything about it,” he said. “I think it was really good and there were so many people.”

Some schools around the country marked students as truant for striking, but MAC staff

supported the move and permission forms were sent home to parents to get as many students marching as possible.

Since the late 19th century, average global temperatures have risen by around 0.9 degrees Celsius and oceans have shown warming of over 0.4 degrees Celsius. These changes will have a serious impact on the Wanaka community, negatively affecting the glaciers and snow activity that is characteristic of the region. Locals are encouraged to slow their use of fossil fuel driven cars and revert to walking or cycling where possible, as well as cutting their use of single use plastics.

Thunberg stated in a TED talk in 2018, “Some people say that I should study to become a climate scientist so that I can solve the climate crisis. But the climate crisis has already been solved. We already have all the facts and solutions. All we have to do is to wake up and change… we can't save the world by playing by the rules, because the rules have to be changed.”

Pictured: Hundreds of local students went on strike last week to protest about the lack of action being taken to address climate change.

Race debate in the Upper Clutha Emma Conyngham

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

The recent trial closure of the lakefront has divided local opinion with many views expressed online in a variety of group discussions. One barb used in the divisive debate online was, ‘how long have you lived here?’ Some of those who have been here longest asserting their right to prevail, whilst newer arrivals should “go back to Auckland” as one keyboard warrior so bluntly said on the Wanaka Sun facebook page. The issue here is not necessarily race-based, but it is nuanced intolerance and it’s a slippery slope downwards.

However, another opponent took the online debate about the lakefront on the Upper Clutha Community Notices (UCCN) Facebook page about where to park during the closure as a chance to have a crack at Asian drivers. One member replied, “Did it matter what ethnicity the tourist was?” But he was shot down by an online bully labelling him a “bloody whinger” for calling out racism. This online dialogue was only a matter of hours after the vigil on the Wanaka lakefront to mourn the 50 people killed in a senseless act of hatred and white supremacy.

But it didn’t stop there. In response to the UCCN member’s attempt to call out ‘casual’ racism, he was lambasted with a long response which the Wanaka Sun has chosen not to repeat in its entirety but did include phrases such as: ‘They bring it on themselves.’ ‘They follow our rules’. ‘I have no problems crashing into them’. This is the language of a Wanaka resident this week. Of all weeks.

Philip Patston, managing director of Diversity New Zealand says, “there's no such thing as casual racism – it's a euphemism privileged people use to discount their racial bias and absolve themselves from responsibility.”

“My view is that ‘casual discrimination’ is more harmful than overt discrimination because it is often hard to quantify and often flies under the radar because it is subtle, invasive and cultural in an organisational sense.”

“It often isolates the targets and mutes them because there is no permission to confront it as a serious issue,” he continues. “Targets of casual

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discrimination are often laughed-off as being oversensitive, PC, or simply wrong.”

“The debate is whether or ‘call it out’ or ‘starve it out’ by ignoring it. I say, do both. Call it out once, but don't get locked into debates.”

Patston also recommends reporting the comments to Facebook.

At the vigil service in Clyde on Sunday, Central Otago District Council Mayor Tim Cadogan had sage words for recognising and weeding out intolerant words at their root.

"The evil that has come to our nation on Friday started small, and the small is where each and everyone one of us can try to stop the evil gaining purchase again. The small is not laughing at a racist joke. I've done it, I'm sure we all have. No more. This is not us. The small is not shouting at the foreign driver who is going too slow for our liking. I've done it and I'm sure we all have. No more. This is not us.

The small is not tolerating bigots in our workplaces, meeting places, even in our own homes and families .... No more. This is not us. New Zealanders don't want to cause offence, even in the face of offensive words. No more. Just say 'This is not us'."

Any racist inference posted to the Wanaka Sun Page will be immediately blocked and the user will be reported, for more information on what is acceptable see our guidelines.

Eddie Deere, administrator for Upper Clutha Trading Post agrees: “we have a zero tolerance policy on such discussions on the UCTP. Anything we think is racist is deleted and sometimes if the person is a repeat offender or particularly bad they are removed from the group. If it isn’t relevant, kind or helpful it’s not welcome here.”

Karen Tippett, an administrator for Upper Clutha Community Notices agrees that they will have no tolerance for racism and she encourages users to flag posts that are offensive but may not have been picked up by administrators. The person who made the comments referenced above has now been removed from the group.

In light of Friday’s event, calling out racism will no longer be considered ‘politically correct’-it is simply ‘correct’. And those who insist on being racist, are simply, wrong.

A review of active fault lines and folds undertaken by GNS Science for Otago Regional Council has revealed a “likely” fault line under Wanaka.

The report, which will be presented to ORC councillors today, reviews the locations and characteristics of active faults, combining previously collected information with the latest data. In total, 48 active or potentially active faults were assessed across the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts.

The fault under Wanaka identified in the report, and classified as “likely”, may be part of the NW Cardrona Fault.

This fault was previously thought to have run northeast from the Cardrona Valley through Albert Town to Hawea.

Scientists now consider that the fault runs north past the foot of Mt Alpha and beneath part of Wanaka township.

“This new interpretation, while still requiring a more detailed assessment for confirmation, may explain a longstanding geological puzzle,” scientists record in the report. “Relatively young landforms have been offset by ruptures of the NW Cardrona Fault in the Cardrona valley, but there is no indication of fault offset of the somewhat older glacial landforms between Albert Town and Lake Hawea.

There is undoubtedly a fault in bedrock extending through that area, but in the present dataset that fault is renamed the Cardrona-Hawea fault…”

The report goes on to explain that a future earthquake rupture of the Motatapu Fault and NW Cardrona Fault that deforms or displaces

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the lake bed is likely to create a localised tsunami.

“This is also potentially the case with the Wanaka Fault beneath the northern arm of Lake Wanaka, and the Hunter Valley Fault beneath Lake Hawea, although those two faults are assessed as being of low activity, with relatively long recurrence intervals.”

Otago Regional Council Natural Hazards Analyst Dr Ben Mackey said further work was needed to substantiate the findings and any implications for Wanaka.

“Currently, some of the information we have about these faults dates back several decades,” Mackey said.

“Since that time, technology has greatly improved, as has the scientific understanding of how faults behave. If it is confirmed that an active fault runs under Wanaka, the new information can be incorporated into community resilience planning.”

Chris Hawker, Director of Emergency Management Otago, said earthquakes have always been a feature of the region’s hazardscape and encourages residents to visit Emergency Management Otago website and www.happens.nz to prepare for an emergency.

“For any event, earthquake, flood or other, we encourage all households and businesses to prepare to cope without electricity for an extended period, and for water and sewerage systems to be out of action.”

The expected chance of fault rupture and related hazards occurring due to a locally sourced earthquake in the Wanaka and Hawea area “has not markedly altered” according to scientists.

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Hawea wastewater grossly inadequate Emma Conyngham

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The Hawea Community Association (HCA) has grave concerns about the failure of its water supply and wastewater treatment and is seeking answers from the Otago Regional Council (ORC). It’s a problem that doesn’t stand in isolation but is compounded by the fact that a Special Housing Area beyond the Urban Boundary may soon be adding extra pressure to a system which is already at breaking point.

In a letter to ORC, April McKenzie, Chair of the HCA says, “The recent QLDC Annual Report for the Hawea Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) clearly shows that it is failing to comply with its ORC Resource Consent conditions. The WWTP is not coping with the current demand from the Lake Hawea Township let alone demand from growth of multiple new dwellings in Tim’s Field, Sentinel Park and in a number of other urban growth areas inside the Lake Hawea township boundary.”

“The community is also highly concerned about the possibility of unmitigated pollution of the Hawea River and the Hawea basin aquifer resulting from the ongoing noncompliance of the Lake Hawea WWTP. The community is very concerned that this [SHA] proposal has been sent by QLDC to the Associate Minister for Housing and Urban Development in the face of, amongst other critical matters, grossly inadequate infrastructure.”

QLDC has three proposed stop-gap measures for sewage and wastewater which include temporary storage chambers, truck transfer to another site many kilometres away and onsite temporary treatment.

“We fail to see how these options can be successfully overlain on the failing Hawea WWTP,” says April.

According to the HCA, nutrient and E.coli-rich wastewater from the Lake Hawea sewage treatment system is discharged to land via a spray irrigation system (onto an adjacent lucerne paddock) and also discharged via a low-pressure disposal trench into porous gravel along the western boundary of the WWTP. The Association is also concerned that the WWT system is failing compliance by

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exceeding the concentration limits for ammoniacal nitrogen, nitrates in, and volumes of the effluent discharged to land as set in ORC consent conditions for the WWTP. There are questions over the fate of nutrient and E.coli rich wastewater going into the drainage trench and under the lucerne paddock.

The response from ORC by Director Environmental Monitoring and Operations Peter Winder was somewhat underwhelming. “In a September 2017 audit, the Hawea Wastewater Treatment Plant was graded as non-compliant,” says Winder. “In order to comply with resource consent conditions, the QLDC was required to supply missing annual report information and a written explanation for exceeding the consent limits, and to demonstrate what steps are being taken to rectify the breaches.”

The response continued to point the finger at QLDC for the failure to supply data despite water management being the responsibility of ORC. The plant has been non-compliant since the current consent was granted in 2010.

In response to HCA’s letter, ORC Councillor Michael Laws said that the failure of the Otago Regional Council to do the “most basic monitoring and compliance work” relating to Hawea’s wastewater treatment plant “will send a shudder through all those who are

expecting our organisation to uphold environmental standards in the region.”

“The question arises: what exactly, apart from nothing, are the Otago Regional Council doing to monitor their own consents related to wastewater treatment plants in the Dunstan Ward, and then across the region? It’s simply not good enough,” he said.

“The truth is that the regional council had absolutely no idea that there had been failures at the Hawea wastewater treatment plant, despite it being our job.

Even when the Queenstown Lakes District Council put up its hand and said they’d stuffed up at various times, the regional council did nothing. It took a group of concerned locals earlier this month to raise the alarm.”

Cr Laws said that he and fellow Dunstan Ward Councillor Ella Lawton would be meeting the concerned Hawea residents tomorrow (Friday, March 22) to “seek some surety from all parties that discharges of wastewater will not exceed consented limits”.

Concerned residents are welcome to meet in the car park of the Lake Hawea Community Centre, Myra Street, at 11.30am tomorrow to carpool to the treatment plant.

Pictured: Hawea Waste Water Treatment Plant is failing to comply with its ORC Resource Consent conditions.

Community House hires new manager ALLISON MCLEAN

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Wanaka Community House (WCH) Trustees have hired a new establishment manager who will help give shape to the project’s final development stage.

With the building slated for a September completion, Gina Treadwell will join the Trust to work alongside the fundraising and building committees to help raise the final $900,000 needed to ensure the building’s finish. She will also be coordinating with prospective tenants as well as establishing communication with the wider community on the building’s progress.

“I am delighted to have Gina on board,” said Dame Sukhi Turner, WCH Trust chair.

“The Trustees have worked tirelessly to get this community project to this exciting stage. We needed someone with a real passion to manage the final steps for this vital and wonderful hub for the people of our district. Gina has extensive experience in project management and marketing and her skills will be invaluable to us.”

Treadwell said she is passionate about the WCH. “I see what is happening in Wanaka and believe that this sort of centre

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would have been extremely beneficial in the areas I was working in previously,” she said. “To have one central community hub, where the people can access all sorts of services, will be a real asset for the community.

She said the Trust envisions creating the hub, located next to the Anglican Church on McDougall Street, as a welcoming place where locals feel they have some ownership. “There will be a number of meeting rooms, a large hall, a wonderful reception area for people to congregate and meet up and over 40 tenants all offering important services to all facets of our society.”

The construction of the community house, which is now fully tenanted, will cost about $3.8 million.

“We have worked diligently over the last couple of years and have raised close to $3 million to date,” said Turner. “The community has been very generous and now that the building is in progress and the community can see it's a reality, we just ask that they get behind us for this final push and help us reach the target.

For more information about how to support the Trust’s fundraising efforts,

MEASLES MATTERS The good news is that as of 19 March, there have been no reported cases of measles in Wanaka.

The advice from the Ministry of Health, who are leading the response and advising the medical Jackie Davidson centres, is as Practice Nurse follows: • You’re not at risk if you’ve had 2 measles vaccines, have had measles, or were born before 1969 • A single dose of measles vaccine will protect 95% of people • On time vaccination for children at 15 months and 4 years with MMR is the best way to prevent measles. Public Health South’s advice to our local medical centres is to continue with the usual vaccination schedule at this time.

The early vaccination programme is only being promoted in Christchurch where there are a high number of confirmed cases.

• Nationwide, measles coverage at 28 Feb 2019 was 93% for children aged four years and 92% for those aged two years.

• Families with unvaccinated children should avoid non-essential travel to Christchurch If you require medical attention because you think you may have measles, please call the medical centre first and get advice about what to do. Measles is very highly contagious. We need to take precautions to prevent the spread of infection to other patients and may ask you to present at the back door of the practice, or assess you in your car within the car park, in order to prevent avoidable exposure to others.

Comprehensive information about measles symptoms is available at www. healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/m/ measles

Call: 443 0725 www.aspiringmedical.co.nz 23 Cardrona Valley Road, Wanaka PHOTO: Wanaka Community House Trust

including their new fundraising drives, visit wanakacommunityhouse.org.nz or the WCH Facebook page.

Pictured: Gina Treadwell and Dame Sukhi Turner in front of Wanaka Community House, which is scheduled to be completed in September.

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Remote economy survey

PHOTO: supplied

Emma Conyngham

PHOTO: Emma Conyngham

Electric vehicle roadshow coming to Wanaka Emma Conyngham

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

An annual nationwide electric vehicle information roadshow will be visiting Wanaka on Thursday, April 4, giving locals the opportunity to get independent advice about every aspect of electric vehicle (EV) usage and ownership.

Jo Ashe, owner of a 24KW Nissan Leaf, has had her electric car for a year and says it's awesome.

“I can go up Cardrona and still have 30 percent charge, then all the way down it recharges so I can get back to Wanaka easily,” she says.

Dave Hawkins, who has a 30KW Nissan Leaf, boasted that the vehicle gets to Christchurch on $6 of charge as some of the charge stations on the way are free. As he has solar at home, the car effectively costs nothing to run just around town.

People who want to investigate the charms of having an electric vehicle are invited to attend the roadshow where they can test drive a range of electric vehicles: Tesla, Kona, BMW i3, a campervan

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and a new 40KW Leaf.

The Great EV Road Trip is run by the Better NZ Trust, supported by the Energy and Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA). Better NZ is a charitable trust whose mandate is to create environmental, financial and health benefits for all New Zealanders through education, and by assisting in the adoption of zero carbon renewable energy technologies.

Better NZ Trust Chairperson Kathryn Trounson says The Great EV Road Trip has become a popular annual fixture for electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts nationwide and – importantly – for people who don’t own an EV but would like to know more.

“It is a fun and easy way for people to find out everything they ever wanted to know about electric vehicles and to get a chance to drive or ride in a variety of electric vehicles for free,” she says.

The Great EV Road Trip will be visiting Wanaka Thursday, April 4, 3-5pm at the log cabin.

Pictured: Jo Ashe and Dave Hawkins, members of the Wanaka EV group.

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If you commute outside the Queenstown Lakes District to earn your income, the council would like find out more. QLDC wants to gain a better understanding of those who live in the district but earn their income elsewhere.

The Remote Economy Project is an independently-conducted research project commissioned by QLDC, which will delve into this aspect of our local population via a short online survey.

QLDC Economic Development Manager Peter Harris advised this group of people presents a potentially valuable opportunity for the district’s economy and is therefore worthy of further exploration, following on from QLDC’s 2018 Quality of Life Survey.

“Twenty percent of the Quality of Life survey respondents stated that they travel outside of the district for work or education. Through this project, we aim to understand a bit more about

THURSDAY 21.03.19 - WEDNESDAY 27.03.19

the characteristics of these residents, the types of study, work and industries, that they are part of,” said Harris.

The project is also being supported

by Start Up Queenstown Lakes (SQL) and completed on behalf of QLDC by Arrowtown-based researcher, Kate Campbell.

“QLDC wants to understand whether some of these people are interested in getting more involved in starting or supporting knowledge-based businesses within our district. If this research finds people who are keen to have a greater local connection, we will work on the next steps,” Harris added.

The research phase will complete by April 26 and the report and recommendations are due to be published in early July.

To complete the survey, visit www. remoteeconomy.com.

Pictured: QLDC wants to gain a better understanding of those who live in the district but earn their income elsewhere through an online survey.

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Sun News

Waste-free warrior brings workshop to Wanaka ALLISON MCLEAN

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Making waste-minimisation choices in order to save money is one of many expert tips coming to Wanaka parents through a workshop next month at Lake Wanaka Centre.

New Zealand waste-free motivational speaker, Kate Meads, will be leading the ticketed event to help locals recognise the country’s huge issue of waste as well as to give them the tools and motivation to lessen their contribution during the parenting process.

“Wanaka is doing a fantastic job of leading the way with such a passionate group of locals who are doing their best to keep Wanaka beautiful,” said Meads to the Wanaka Sun. “I think it helps when you live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country; you can’t help but want to keep it pristine and clean.

Wastebusters and some of the other locally supported repurposing programmes are miles ahead of some of the other regions I work in.”

Affectionately known as the country’s “WasteFree Warrior”, Meads will also use her time to teach the audience how to use their purchasing power to make smarter choices, which will help save some money along the way.

“There are lots of ways to save money by making more sustainable choices,” she said. “Ultimately our single use disposable/plastic culture is very expensive.

There are simple ways to save a lot of money by buying products that will last, for example a stainless steel lunch box which is an upfront cost but, overall, will save a fortune in plastic lunch boxes that constantly break. Or, parents with children in nappies can expect to save up to $4000 per child if they use reusable nappies instead of disposable nappies.”

The event is marketed towards parents of young children and parents-to-be.

“One of the most impactive times in our lives is when we have a baby,” said Meads. “Everything is

PHOTO: Wanaka & Districts Lions Club

Lions get behind SAR Ruth Blunt

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Supplied

about to change and your child will be inheriting the earth from you. When a baby is introduced into a household, the waste is likely to increase by about 50 percent because of all of the nappies, packaging and accessories/single-use products modern parents are encouraged to use. So this is the perfect time to encourage parents to think about how they will leave this place for future generations: a liveable planet or a giant mess to clean up.”

The April 15 workshop is provided by Queenstown Lakes District Council and will be presented from 6pm until 8. 30pm. Tickets are $25, which include a free gift pack valued at $100, and can be purchased through www.katemeads.co.nz and Eventfinda.

Pictured: New Zealand’s Waste-Free Warrior, Kate Mead, will be in town to provide local parents with a waste-minimisation talk at Lake Wanaka Centre on April 15.

A welcome donation of $4000 was gifted to Wanaka Search & Rescue (SAR) on Monday, March 18. The money was raised during Wanaka & Districts Lions Club’s off-road 4WD safari, which was held in January on Bendigo Station.

Club secretary Steven Richmond said “the Wanaka & Districts Lions Club is proud to work alongside WanakaSAR with our annual 4WD safari” and thanked John Perriam of Bendigo Station for his support.

About 80 people from all walks of life give their time to volunteer for WanakaSAR which is one of the busiest back-country search and rescue groups in the country, averaging 45-55 operations in a busy year.

“Although they rely solely on volunteers, with no Government assistance, they still manage to have specialist teams for any situation,” Richmond said.

Pictured: Wanaka & Districts Lions Club president Bob Fellows presented WanakaSAR president Bill Day with a cheque for $4000 this week.

Snow Farm acquired new snow groomer

New Patients and Visitors Welcome All new enrolled patients receive a free half hour nurse appointment.

Phone 03 443 0710 any time.

PHOTO: Snow Farm NZ

ALLISON MCLEAN

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Snow Farm NZ’s customers can expect to see a better skiing surface this winter and more groomed trails every night thanks to the purchase of a new snow groomer.

The Cardrona-based cross-country ski farm bought a Pisten Bully groomer from Germany just in time for the upcoming winter season. Snow Farm NZ staff said the purchase will help them keep up with the advancements in grooming technology, such as grooming more trails more frequently and opening trails more quickly after snowfall.

"We have been working towards this purchase for several years, as our current groomer is at an age where it needs to be retired,” said Snow Farm NZ board chairman Samuel Belk. “The new Pisten Bully 400 groomer will bring many benefits for our customers, staff and business. The purchase of a new machine for the not-for-profit Snow Farm NZ was only made possible through generous grants from the Central Lakes Trust (CLT) and the Otago Community Trust (OCT), to whom we are eternally grateful."

OCT donated $100,000 to the snow groomer purchase and CLT donated 20 percent of the

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groomer’s total cost, up to $96,000.

The Pisten Bully groomer is the same machine that New Zealand alpine resorts use; however, it includes a special cross country feature of fourtrack setters on the tiller for classic skiing, which are two more than the current groomer.

"The four-track setters on the back of the machine will allow us to set two tracks on the inside of some trails where previously there had only been one, while keeping a skating lane on the outside of the trail,” said Sam Lee, Snow Farm NZ general manager.

“This will make the experience of skiing more social for our guests as you can ski beside your friend and converse while out on the trails. It also increases the amount of teaching space for learners, helping us manage the increase in our regular locals, visiting tourists and school groups."

The Snow Farm team said they are excited about this significant investment along with the improved experience it will bring to the local community.

Snow Farm pre-season passes are on sale until March 31 and can be purchased at snowfarmnz.com.

Pictured: Snow Farm NZ purchased a new snow groomer to help improve its guests’ experience, thanks to donations from Otago Community Trust and Central Lakes Trust.

WE ARE ALSO DELIGHTED TO BE ABLE TO OFFER

FREE for Under 14s This free care applies to medical and ACC visits for enrolled patients under 14.

DISCOUNTS for CSC Holders Community Services Card holders and their dependants now receive considerable discounts on medical and ACC visits, Monday to Friday:

THURSDAY 21.03.19 - WEDNESDAY 27.03.19

• Adults pay $18.50

• 14 – 17 years pay $12.50

ph: (03) 443 0710 www.WanakaMedical.co.nz

Excellence in General Practice PAGE 7

PAGE 8

THURSDAY 21.03.19 - WEDNESDAY 27.03.19

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Seniors risk losing local tech courses ALLISON MCLEAN

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

SeniorNet Wanaka is calling out for help to prevent closing its doors on supporting elderly people navigate their electronic technology. The town’s community training network is at risk of losing its leadership and, as a result, will be calling a public meeting next month to try and remedy the leadership vacancies.

“The committee and I have enjoyed our involvement, but the time has come to hand over to others to lead,” said SeniorNet Wanaka president and coordinator Neil Cowie.

He said he has approached a few people to take hold of the leadership reins, but, so far, no interest has been generated.

“Everyone in Wanaka is living busy lives and it takes quite a commitment to be available to plan and run a monthly meeting,” said Cowie. He said tasks would involve coordinating with interesting technology contacts who can offer presentations to participating seniors. “While most people now can handle basics on their laptop and enjoy using the apps on their smartphones, the need to keep up with new technology is not going to go away.”

The local SeniorNet meeting will be

Trail ride opens registration STAFF REPORTER

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The fifth annual charity trail ride, which raises funds for Wanaka Primary School, Montessori Children’s House Wanaka and the local RSA, is open for registration.

With a combined total of about 95km of trails, riders can chose between the 15km family trail, the 45km intermediate trail or 35km of advanced trails. There is also a pee wee track for the younger trail riders.

The event is run by volunteers, and more are needed to make it a success.

Volunteers can register on the event website.

The trail ride, set on Deep Gully, Long Gully and Lindis Peak stations, will be held on March 30 and pre-registration can be done on www.wanakatrailride. org to avail of a cheaper entry fee.

Do you know what you see when you are stargazing?

Department of Conservation (DOC) will be bringing a few experts to town to show you what is written in the stars.

Canterbury astronomers Alan Gilmore and Pamela Kilmartin will join DOC ranger Tanya Rinehart to talk about what to see when you look into the night sky on March 30. The “Starry Starry Night” event will be held at the Hawea Swing Bridge, next to Albert Town Campground, from 7. 30pm until 9pm.

Gilmore and Kilmartin have worked in Tekapo’s University of Canterbury Mount John Observatory, New Zealand’s premier astronomical research observatory, in discovering comets, asteroids and minor planets.

Guests will be guided on a walk and asked to bring a head torch for the return, along with a mug for hot chocolate. Attendance is through a gold coin donation.

–By Allison McLean

PHOTO: supplied

held on April 11 at the Presbyterian SeniorNet was first established in Church on Tenby Street at 10am. For more Wellington in 1992 to help bring people information, contact Cowie at wanaka. aged 50 years or older closer to technology seniornet@gmail.com. through stress-free classes.

Steel on the Centre for Space Science Technology Ruth Blunt

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Dr Duncan Steel is the Royal Society’s next guest, with his talk “Something out of this world is in our own backyard”.

Steel is the Chief Systems Architect at the Centre for Space Science Technology (CSST) in Alexandra and the author of four books and countless articles and research papers. Over the past 30 years he has worked on space projects in the US, UK, Australia, Sweden, Canada and NZ. His research has focussed largely on asteroids, comets and meteors, but he has also been involved in planning missions to Mars and the search for life elsewhere. He is also an expert on the

history and astronomical basis of calendars.

Asteroid 4713 Steel is named for him, as is a lunar-roving robot in one of Arthur C. Clarke’s science-fiction novels.

Steel (pictured) will outline the activities of CSST, which was founded last year as one of the government’s Regional Research Institutes.

Fundamentally the role of CSST is to provide expertise in the utilisation of satellite-derived imagery for the good of New Zealand.

Applications include the identification of illegal fishing in the Antarctic Ocean, the early detection of cyanobacteria blooms in NZ lakes, the mapping of how the country is changing PHOTO: Supplied shape under seismic and volcanic shifts, and the monitoring of the growth and health of crops.

Steel’s talk will take place on Friday March 22, at 6pm at the Presbyterian Community Centre.

Digging deep for avalanche dogs Emma Conyngham

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

In what is possibly the world’s cutest fundraiser, Treble Cone’s avalanche dogs are raising funds for their operational costs.

With summer over and days getting shorter, it’s time to start thinking about the next winter season. And for the Aspiring Avalanche Dogs team that means a lot of preparation, training and of course fundraising.

Avalanche Dogs service the entire region but call Treble Cone home. Every year, the Treble Cone team has offered a season pass for their annual fundraiser, which will be drawn alongside many other spot prizes thanks to generous local sponsors and supporters. The raffle will take place on March 29 at Kai Whakapai.

The night is about fun, with some of the town’s best DJs from 5pm and prizes from 6pm. On the night, the dogs and their

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DOC hosts astronomy talk

Lunch: 11:30AM – 2:30PM • Dinner: 5PM – 9PM

DINE IN, TAKEAWAY, DELIVERY 10% OFF Takeaways T&C applies

Chinese & NZ beers, local wines, BYO Groups, events, families welcome.

Tel: 03-443-1177 68 Ardmore Street

PAINTBALL PAINTBALL CENTRAL CENTRAL CROMWELL

PHOTO: Aspiring Avalanche Dogs

humans will be testing out a new donation system. The tap devices allow for paywavelike transactions, making it easier and more secure to collect contributions.

Locals will see the dogs and their humans in different outlets around Wanaka in the upcoming weeks, and are encouraged to make donations. The funds are needed to help cover many operational costs, which allow the dogs to be available when needed.

Last year’s November avalanche incidents in Mt Cook highlighted the importance of

emergency response services being always available.

In August 2018 all three of the dogs (Rocket, Tussock and Zeffer) passed their assessment with flying colours, meaning there are now three operational teams ready for the season. Their young pup Wizzid is excelling at his training and the team are very proud to watch him grow.

Tickets are $5 from Racers Edge.

Pictured: Aspiring Avalanche Dogs Rocket, Tussock, Zeffer and Wizzid.

THURSDAY 21.03.19 - WEDNESDAY 27.03.19

BIRTHDAY PARTIES • WORK DO STAG/HEN PARTIES • FAMILY GAMES • FREE BBQ ON SITE • FUN FOR ALL AGES email: paintballcentral@xtra.co.nz PHONE (027) 448-5399 TO BOOK PAGE 9

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Apple Drive, workshops celebrate harvest Ruth Blunt

Who cares in Wanaka?

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The 2019 Autumn Apple Drive and Local Food Workshops is on this Saturday and its workshop programmes includes some old favourites alongside new offerings this year.

Rochanna Moon explores how herbs can keep you healthy, while at the second workshop of the day Lucas Parkinson will detail The Wonder of Bone Broths. Ilil Lunkry, a self-taught fermentation enthusiast, will host an educational workshop about the basics of fermentation, the importance of it in our diet and how to integrate it into daily life.

Natural Orchards with Ben Elms and Cider Making with Chris Riley round out the day’s workshops.

As well as the workshops, there will be communal chutney making with Pirate Pickles’ Lorne Knight, apple pressing to make cider and vinegar and a local food market.

Participants are asked to bring a knife, chopping

COMMUNITY NETWORKS WANAKA Help and advice

PHOTO: supplied

board, jars, plastic bottles and surplus fruit.

Everyone can take home a jar of chutney and some juice to drink or turn into cider.

The 2019 Autumn Apple Drive and Local Food Workshops takes place at Rippon Hall, from 9.30am to 3.30pm, Saturday March 23. Organisers would welcome a $5 donation to help cover costs.

PHOTO: Margaret Batty

More SHA proposals for district last meeting in order to gain community feedback STAFF REPORTER on all of these Ladies Mile SHA proposals first,” editor@thewanakasun.co.nz QLDC chief executive Mike Theelen said.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has “Elected members will then have a holistic view of received two further Expressions of Interest (EOI) to the three proposals, and the transport implications, develop Special Housing Areas (SHA) in the Ladies and will consider them together [on April 18].”

Mile area and is seeking community feedback on these proposals.

The proposed developments include 423 residential units and are located adjacent to each other on the northern side of Ladies Mile and accessed via a proposed future roundabout at the intersection of Howard’s Drive and State Highway 6.

Flint’s Park Residential and Flint’s Park Mixed Use Precinct SHA is a twopart EOI of residential development (247 units) and a proposed local centre for the wider Ladies Mile, Lake Hayes Estate and Shotover Country areas on 15ha.

Glenpanel SHA is a predominantly residential development of about 176 residential units and includes a small portion of the local centre on 15.5ha. Both EOI’s include proposed reserve PHOTO: supplied areas.

Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust An online feedback form and EOI details can could receive about 18 units from the Glenpanel be found under Your Views on the QLDC website.

Development Ltd proposal and a combined 25 units Feedback will close at 5pm on April 11 and the from Maryhill Ltd’s proposed development. proposals will be considered by council at its next Council is still considering a separate SHA meeting on April 18 in Wanaka. proposal, Laurel Hills.

Pictured: Map of Flint’s Park Mixed-Use Precinct “Council paused a decision on Laurel Hills at their Indicating the Proposed Commercial Areas.

Central Otago Awards Entries open STAFF REPORTER

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Businesses and individuals that exemplify the spirit of the region are set to be recognised in this year's Central Otago Awards. Presented biennially, award categories include Business Excellence, Young Professional, Community Service, Apprentice and Youth.

Entries are now open, with forms available on www.centralotagoawards.co.nz and Regional Identity Manager Shirley Howden is encouraging the community to get involved.

“I think a good way to go about nominating someone, is to get a few people together and do it as a group so that you can capture this person’s amazing contribution from different angles; it also

PAGE 10

gives the judges a much better sense of what that person has achieved as well.”

Howden says the awards are about “honouring excellence, innovation, big hearts and the amazing contribution many make to our region”.

Businesses can also be nominated this year.

“Typically, businesses don't like to blow their own trumpet and enter themselves for an award. So this year we're giving people the opportunity to nominate a business that is achieving great things in our region, to encourage them to enter the Business Excellence Award category.”

Once nominated, businesses will be contacted and invited to enter.

Entries for this year’s awards close at 5pm, Thursday, May 2.

Batty M Margaret Community Networks Relationship stresses, mental health issues and housing affordability are all top of the Alpine Community Development Trust’s concerns and outgoing Trust chair Margaret West certainly cares.

Margaret joined the ACDT Board which has governance oversight for Community Networks Wanaka (CNW) and LINK Upper Clutha - in 2012 because she wanted to contribute to the local community and learn more about it.

Describing herself as a doer and a bit of a joiner, Margaret says, “I like to get involved and push boundaries”.

This stems partly from her father’s influence. He was a Presbyterian Minister who sadly died when Margaret and her two brothers were very young. Growing up in sleepy Oamaru (pre-Steampunk!), her Scottish maiden aunt ran the household while her mother worked as a teacher.

“You had an innate sense of duty.

Volunteer? Why wouldn’t you?” she says.

Often people don’t really understand why Wanaka needs voluntary support services.

‘What do you mean a food bank?

This is Wanaka’ is a common refrain.

But 186 people needed and received food parcels throughout 2018, on top of the 75 food bank hampers distributed at Christmas.

“There is a lack of recognition that communities, no matter how affluent they might seem, always have underlying social stresses. All you have to do is talk to the Community Constable about abuse in homes.

Family violence doesn’t take into account a person’s wealth.”

As Wanaka expands, services are in ever-increasing demand. Last year more than 3000 people visited CNW and over 2000 phoned to get information or seek help. With a population base of around 10,000 that’s a lot of people reaching out for support.

Scratch beneath the statistics and the impact of CNW on individual lives is clear - a few examples include: An elderly couple needing physical help to pack their possessions to move to a rest home.

A single father who couldn’t afford to buy a school uniform for his child.

A mother with three young kids who needed to have surgery in Dunedin but didn’t have anyone to help look after her children.

A seasonal worker living in a caravan who needed a solar panel to get through the winter safely.

THURSDAY 21.03.19 - WEDNESDAY 27.03.19

Paying tribute to Margaret and to ACDT, Kathy Dedo LINK Facilitator observes, “Small things can make such a big difference to people’s lives.”

In her years as ACDT chair Margaret has been delighted to discover “the amazing volunteers who walk through the door and keep CNW going. Sometimes with huge bags of walnuts or quinces but more often to offer money, time or expertise. Wanaka is such a generous and warm-hearted community.”

CNW manager Kate Murray is also deeply grateful to the 50 volunteers who regularly deliver Meals on Wheels, offer Justice of the Peace services, drive the Wheels to Dunstan hospital transport and help out in the CNW social wellbeing hub on Brownston Street.

“Without these unsung heroes of Wanaka we wouldn’t be able to offer the essential services that we do,” Kate says.

Kate is also quick to point out that Margaret and the other Trustees of ACDT are hugely committed volunteers themselves. Generously giving their time, energy and wisdom to govern the Trust.

Margaret is pleased to be leaving ACDT in such a healthy and vibrant state.

“Such exciting times lie ahead with the new Community House on the horizon and with Wanaka continuing its extraordinary growth journey.”

Warming to the recent A&P Show slogan, ‘Call me a Local’, Margaret says, “Being local is about what people do here and how they appreciate their neighbourhood”.

True to her word, Margaret is active at the Wanaka Rotary Club, tennis club, U3A and several local historic trusts. Margaret is also thrilled about the imminent arrival of two greatgrandchildren, adding to her three grandchildren, a son, daughter and husband John already in the family mix.

At the age of 17, Margaret jumped on a train from Oamaru to Auckland and joined the Navy, much to her mother’s horror. “I had to rebel in something!” she says, laughing. She became closely connected with Maori culture in the 1970s, lived on a military camp, added an MBA to her CV, pioneered polytechnic education courses for women-returners in Dunedin and met Queen Elizabeth (forgetting to curtsey!). Despite all of that Margaret mulls that she would advise her teenage self “to be more adventurous”.

Watch this space to see what Margaret-the-Adventurer does next for Wanaka and how ACDT builds on her solid legacy.

Pictured: Nova Knippers CNW front office, Kate Murray CNW manager and Margaret West ACDT chair.

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Sun Sport

SPORTS RESULTS Please send sports results to sports@thewanakasun.co.nz by Tuesday at noon.

Results should be unformatted and presented in the body of the email.

PHOTO: Wanaka Swim Club

More medals, NAGS for swimmers Sports reporter

sports@thewanakasun.co.nz

Local swimmers scooped ten medals at the Division II Championships at Moana Pool in Dunedin over the weekend. Kate Bennie, Jack Findlay, Cruz Morland and Ben Silipo took on New Zealand’s best swimmers at the meet, placing 17th out of 82 teams with a combined score of 309 points.

Swimming Otago took the top regional prize with Otago teams combining to earn 3439 points.

Thanks to a late change in entry criteria more swimmers were allowed to enter the competition and Wanaka Swim Club members were allowed to build on their already impressive collection of NAGS qualification times. The championship meet was originally open to those who met strict qualifying times, but not those who qualified for the Aon National Age Group Championships (NAGS).

However, Swimming New Zealand opened entries to NAGS-qualified swimmers to race in events in which they had not met the NAGS qualifying time.

Cruz Morland bested his times in all eight of his individual races, earning NAGS times in 100m and 200m backstroke, 200m individual medley and 100m

butterfly. Ben Silipo bested his times in all six of his races, adding new NAGS times in 200m butterfly and freestyle and 100m backstroke. Silipo also shaved over 22 seconds off his 800m freestyle, further cementing his place in the top 30 needed to race that event at NAGS. Jack Findlay earned three personal best (PB) times and one new NAGS time in the 200m individual medley. Kate Bennie also earned a PB and a new NAGS time in her 200m backstroke, dropping 10.59 seconds off her previous best time.

The team's PBs also earned them championship medals including two bronze medals earned by Findlay in the 200m butterfly and Silipo in 100m backstroke; five silver medals earned by Findlay in the 200m individual medley, Morland in the 50m and 100m butterfly, and 200m individual medley, and Silipo in the 200m freestyle; and three gold medals won by Silipo in the 200m butterfly and 400m and 800m freestyle.

The next meet on their schedule, and their final chance to earn NAGS qualifications, is the Otago Anniversary Meet on March 23-24 in Dunedin.

NAGS begins on April 16.

Pictured: Division II championship medals won by local swimmers last weekend.

Wanaka Bridge Club Results Monday – Cardrona Stakes 2: North/ South 1st Terry Wilson Laraine Shepherd 69.23% 2nd Lynne Fegan David Brewer 57.69% 3rd Ken Roberts Boyd Ottrey 55.77% East/ West 1st Sherril Harries Georgie Roberts 71.63% 2nd Dorothy McDonald Maggie Stratford 55.93% 3rd George Foreman Marc Simmonds 55.29%Wednesday –Matukituki Pairs 1: North/ South 1st John Schwarz Neil Robinson 57.18% 2nd Alan Bunn John Milburn 56.25% 3rd Jacqui Roberts Hans Limacher 53.94% East/ West 1st Marion Murphy Sue Thomson 62.04% 2nd Elaine Herbert Noelene Raffills 58.33% 3rd Suzanne Ewing Lyn Hill 55.79% Friday 15 Mar - Handicap : North/ South 1st Ena Leckie Laraine Shepherd 62.10% 2nd Heather Wellman Deb Budden 58.49% 3rd Lyn Hill Sally Goodall 53.85% East/ West 1st Deirdre Lynch Carolyn Grey 62.78% 2nd Alan Cruden Wendy Cruden 56.97% 3rd Boyd Ottrey Alan Bunn 53.47% Wanaka Progressive Bowls 1/03/19 Skips 1st F Beardsley 2nd D Byers 3rd I Fletcher Thirds 1st L Wells 2nd J Rich 3rd R Chartres Leads 1st J Gillan 2nd D Wales 3rd P Davies 22/02/19 Skips 1st P Traynor 2nd C Keiweit 3rd F Beardsley Thirds 1st B Kane 2nd A Bryan 3rd R Chartres Leads 1st P Davies 2nd W Byers 3rd B Wilson 15/02/19 Skips 1st G Russell 2nd B Russell 3rd I Fletcher Thirds 1st J Rich 2nd B Kane 3rd P Traynor Leads 1st B Wilson 2nd B Thorburn 3rd F Beardsley 8/02/19 Skips 1st G Hall 2nd P Trainor 3rd B Holmes Thirds 1st J Feehly 2nd J Rich 3rd T Tattersfield Seconds 1st B Wilson 2nd W Byars 3rd J Hogan Leads 1st S Morris 2nd A Hall 3rd J Hill

Sherwood, Pure Oak 119L from Polyflor

New MTB off-road duathlon

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PHOTO: TriWanaka

sports@thewanakasun.co.nz

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TriWanaka’s is going from strength to strength, with a new event offering underway for new and seasoned competitors “After the completion of our first swim-run series, which ran up to Challenge Wanaka, we have had over 150 people take part in the events, plus a large number of volunteers and supporters – predominantly locals, aged from nine to almost 70, from complete beginners doing their first multisport event to seasoned NZ Triathletes,” TriWanaka spokesperson Amanda Inkster said.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support of the local community and with the success of the Swim Run Series have just started our new MTB Offroad Duathlon Series - the series continues for three more weeks.”

TriWanaka’s new event is the MTB Off-road Duathlon, held at Corbridge Downs on the Wanaka-

Whether you pop into store or have us come to you*#, you can rely on our team to help you make the very best decision.

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Luggate Highway. The first race on March 12 attracted a large number of juniors with half the field aged between five and 12 years old.

“It was fabulous to see the kids running around, enjoying the scenery and getting used to hopping on and off their bikes to transition to the run. The under 12s all took on the demanding 5km mountain bike course and then completed the 1km run.”

The MTB Off-road Duathlon continues for the next two weeks on Tuesdays, with junior racing starting at 5.30pm and adult races from 6pm.

The new series has categories for all age groups including Adults and under-16s (400m run, 5km or 10km MTB, 3km run); Juniors 8 -12 years (400m run, 5km MTB, 1km run); Juniors 7 and under (400m run, 600m bike) plus a 10km bike race, a 3km run event and a team event.

Pictured: Under-12s Marshall Watson, Matt Sandford and Jarred Ferguson with under-7 Michael Sandford giving the new MTB Off-road Duathlon the thumbs up.

THURSDAY 21.03.19 - WEDNESDAY 27.03.19

Paint | Wallpaper | Flooring | Curtains | Blinds | Advice

* Flooring is not currently available in all Guthrie Bowron stores, and options can also vary by store. Please contact your local store for more details. # Travel distance parameters may apply for in-home measure and quote.

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PAGE 11

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Alex Russell Obituary 25 October 1946 - 9 March 2019

N o t i c e b o a rd | P a p a P ā n u i Notice of Decisions on QLDC Proposed District Plan – Stage 2 Pursuant to clause 10 and 11 of Schedule 1 of the Resource Management Act 1991, public notice is hereby given as of 21 March 2019 that the Queenstown Lakes District Council (Council) made decisions on the submissions and further submissions to Stage 2 of the District Plan review at its meeting on 7 March 2019.

The effect of the decisions is to adopt the recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel to confirm amended provisions for the following chapters and associated planning maps: Chapter 2 – Definitions Chapter 24 – Wakatipu Basin Chapter 25 – Earthworks Chapter 29 – Transport Chapter 31 – Signs Chapter 38 – Open Space and Recreation Visitor Accommodation – Parts 1, 3, 4 and 6 Planning Maps 1-41 The Proposed District Plan is amended in accordance with the Council’s decisions from the date of this public notice.

The decision reports and decisions versions of the chapters and maps, together with the reasons for the decisions are available for inspection for free at the following locations: •

QLDC website: www.qldc.govt.nz Go to: Planning & Consents > District Plan Review – Proposed District Plan > Proposed District Plan - Stage 2 Decisions

•

Online access to the decisions is available at QLDC Libraries and offices without charge.

A person who made a submission on Stage 2 of the review may appeal this decision to the Environment Court within 30 working days of the service of the notice of the decisions (by 7 May 2019).

For further information on making an appeal see the Environment Court website: https://www. environmentcourt.govt.nz/court-process/lodge-appeal-or-application/ For further information on the district plan review, please contact Queenstown Lakes District Council on (03) 441 0499 or email DP.Hearings@qldc.govt.nz

Amendment to March Meeting Schedule Meeting cancellation: The meeting of the QLDC Infrastructure Committee - previously advertised as taking place on Thursday, 28 March 2019, has been cancelled.

Meeting Schedule - April 2019 Public Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 46 of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 that meetings of the Council will be held as below, during the month of April 2019.

Appeals Subcommittee – Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown. Monday 1 April 2019 at 10.00am.

This meeting will be held with the public excluded, pursuant to Section 7(2)(g) and Section 7(2)(i) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987.

Traffic & Parking Subcommittee – Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown. Tuesday 2 April 2019 at 10.00am.

Wānaka Community Board – Lake Hāwea Community Centre, Myra Street, Lake Hāwea. Thursday 4 April 2019 at 10.00am.

Resource Consent Hearing (Bridesdale Farm Developments Ltd RM180882) – Copthorne Hotel, Corner Frankton Road and Adelaide Street, Queenstown. Thursday 4 and Friday 5 April 2019 at 10.00am.

Community & Services Committee – Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown. Thursday 11 April 2019 at 10.00am.

Appeals Subcommittee – Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown. Thursday 11 April 2019 at 10.30am or at the conclusion of the Community & Services Committee, whichever is the latter.

This meeting will be held with the public excluded, pursuant to Section 7(2)(g) and Section 7(2)(i) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987.

Hearing of Submissions on Potentially Earthquake Prone Priority Thoroughfares – Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown. Monday 15 April 2019 at 1.00pm.

Wanaka laid to rest a much-loved resident last week.

Alex Russell was a hero of the building trade and a much-respected inspector for the Council. Around 300 tradies in high-viz vests created a guard of honour at his funeral at St Andrews Presbyterian church-testimony to how deeply he was respected by the trade.

Alex Thomas Russell was born in Dunedin in 1946. He was the eldest of four siblings with sisters Jan and Georgie, and brother Doug. As a child he was already setting the course for the rest of his life: hard work, dedication and commitment. Alex was a dedicated builder before he became a dedicated building inspector; so committed to his work that in the 46 years of his marriage, he only ever took one week’s holiday to Christchurch and Nelson.

Alex was married to Pat (nee Hays) who says her husband was the hardest working man she knew. The couple had three children, Jasyn, Sharalee and Hayden. He built the family five houses in his spare time over the years and even on his weekends, he was up by 8am in his garden, stopping for smoko at 10am then going back outside. The pattern of work was the rhythm of his life and gave Alex a sense of

purpose and meaning.

Alex played soccer for Tech Old Boys (now Dunedin Tech). He also played darts for many years and stadium bowls until his diagnosis. Alex was an avid armchair fan of Highlanders and All Blacks.

Alex was a homebody who would prefer to spend time in his garden and caring for the family dogs, rather than to take a holiday. When he fell ill in January with eight cancers, five of which were primary, Alex and his family hoped he would come through it. Despite the prognosis, Alex just wanted to go back to work and carry on doing what he loved. Sadly, it was only when he was told he had three weeks to live, that he resigned himself to the fact his working days were over. Alex had been an inspector with QLDC for 28 years and it was a job he didn’t want to let go.

In his last weeks, Alex never complained. On the day he died, Alex apologised to his family for putting them through this. That is the man he was.

Alex was not afraid of death but said his biggest sorrow would be leaving his six grandchildren: PHOTO: Pat Russell Isaac, Josh, Preston, Amilah, Kaitlyn, and Gemma. He will be remembered for his prevailing sense of fairness, hard work, and kindness. He will be missed terribly.

Pictured: Alex Russell, 25 October 1946 - 9 March 2019.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

WANAKA RECREATION CENTRE CLOSURES

LAND INFORMATION NEW ZEALAND

Emma Conyngham

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Recreation Centre is hosting children’s swimming galas on Thursday, 21 March (Wanaka Primary School Swim Sports) and Thursday, 28 March (Upper Clutha Swim Sports).

With around 200 students and staff attending each time, the Centre will be closed to the public from 9.00am-1.00pm. This applies to all pools, indoor courts and indoor facilities.

Existing bookings including the scheduled Wanaka Swim Academy classes in the learners’ pool will take place as normal.

All facilities will be available as normal before 9.00am and after 1.00pm.

Many thanks for your co-operation while we host these awesome events.

Please call reception on (03) 443 9334 with any queries.

Resource Consent Hearing (Abbeyfield Construction Ltd RM181382) - Edgewater, 54 Sargood Drive, Wānaka. Thursday 18 April 2019 at 10.00am.

Queenstown Lakes District Council – Armstrong Room, Lake Wānaka Centre, 89 Ardmore Street, Wānaka. Thursday 18 April 2019 at 1.00pm.

Hearing of Submissions on the Draft Speed Limits Bylaw 2019 - Armstrong Room, Lake Wānaka Centre, 89 Ardmore Street, Wānaka. Friday 26 April 2019 at 10.00am.

Hearing of Submissions on the Draft Speed Limits Bylaw 2019 - Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown. Monday 29 April 2019 at 10.00am.

Meeting dates, times and venues are subject to change. All of the above meetings are open to the public. Some meetings may have items of business that will be discussed with the public excluded, as set out by the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987.

Mike Theelen CHIEF EXECUTIVE Private Bag 50072 | 47 Adrmore Street Wānaka Phone 03 443 0024 | www.qldc.govt.nz

YOUR AD WILL REACH THE MOST LOCALS ONLINE IN www.thewanakasun.co.nz

PAGE 12

PEMBROKE PARK IS UNDER THREAT

Are you a Wanaka resident?

Do you care about Pembroke Park?

Have you seen the proposal for a huge carpark on Pembroke Park?

This is an incursion on a designated Recreation Reserve which must not be allowed to happen.

Your voice matters!

Speak up now! Join up now!

The Friends of Pembroke Park AGM, 5pm Saturday 23rd March @ Wanaka Presbyterian Church Tenby Street Wanaka.

Contact: Loris King Ph 443 8565 Email kingsview@kinect.co.nz

THURSDAY 21.03.19 - WEDNESDAY 27.03.19

Notice of Weed Spraying in Lake Wanaka Property owners and users of Lake Wanaka, including for recreation, are advised that the herbicide diquat will be applied via boat in gel form to control lake weed (lagarosiphon) at the following sites in Lake Wanaka.

• Paddock Bay • Parkins Bay • Roys Bay The work is scheduled to begin from Tuesday, 26th March 2019 and may continue intermittently to Tuesday, 9th April 2019, as weather and water conditions permit. Treatment will not take place on public holidays, or weekends which immediately precede or follow public holidays.

As a precautionary measure only, Land Information New Zealand advises users not to take water from Lake Wanaka to consume or for irrigation purposes from the vicinity of the treatment area until 24 hours after treatment has been completed.

Notices will be placed at www.linz.govt.nz 24 hours prior to the planned spray dates. Warning signs will be placed at authorised public boat ramps during treatment and will be removed 24 hours after treatment. Changeable weather conditions mean that weed spraying at some sites may be delayed. Please scan the QR code below to access the most up-to-date information.

Weed control on Lake Wanaka is overseen by the Lake Wanaka Lagarosiphon Management Committee which includes representatives from Queenstown Lakes District Council, the Guardians of Lake Wanaka, Otago Regional Council, the Department of Conservation and Land Information New Zealand.

A copy of Land Information New Zealand’s full annual control works programme is available at www.linz.govt.nz under “Crown Property”.

Further information is available on the website or from Boffa Miskell Ltd during office hours on 0800 638 943 by writing to PO Box 110, Christchurch, or emailing linz.biosecurity@boffamiskell.co.nz

THE WANAKA SUN

Sun Views

thewanakasun.co.nz

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Brassed-off on Brownston Street

Every unsustainable tourist-growth year leaves in its wake a diminished lifestyle for locals. Think Queenstown. However, the road closure trial resulting in the debacle on Brownston Street was a good thing, but only if a lesson was learned. Re-arranging Wanaka’s townscape while keeping traffic flowing requires more than a hopeful she’ll be right attitude. A leisurely walk around a carless town centre is certainly relaxing, but at what price?

Where will we put the cars? Already the workers of Wanaka, particularly hospitality industry workers who service the swarms of tourists, are brassed off. The council’s grabbing of public car parks for its own workers, while at the same time reducing the allowable time to park on other public car parks was not a smart move.

Workers have been squeezed out. If they manage to find a park not too far from work they have to dash out to find another park during work time or risk a fine. Walking to work is not feasible for many people and nor is cycling. And, lest Councillors with thoughts of creating another Brisbane have not noticed; we have no public transport.

This is not to say we cannot have a pedestrianised town centre. We can and I hope to see it, but not before we have a cuppa and consider this: Any plan that does not cater to locals as well as tourists deserves to fail.

While we are having that cuppa, we should consider the advantages of enlisting an independent town planner with a brief to keep Wanaka locals happy - and friendly.

Christopher Horan

Sponsored by

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Loss of confidence in council

It was with some interest that I read the comments from Peter Hansby, QLDC General Manager Property & Infrastructure, particularly, in relation to the council’s engagement with the Wanaka business community.

I consider there must be two Wanaka business communities as there has been no consultation with the local retailers. Subsequent to the article in last week’s Wanaka Sun, I am aware that all retail businesses located in lower Helwick and Ardmore streets were visited by a representative of the Lower Helwick & Ardmore Streets Retail Group.

None of the 25 retailers had received a consultative approach from the QLDC or any party representing the QLDC other than at the instigation of individual retailers who needed to discuss the logistics of receipt of stock and the disembarking and uplifting of passengers.

The occasional business has received a ‘bonhomie’ visit from the Deputy Mayor but there has been no actual ‘consultation’ as such at all. It is trite of Mr Hansby to imply that because there is a member of the business community on the Community Reference Group, somehow that should placate retailers’ concerns.

Turning now to the QLDC Wanaka Master Plan, there is little or no reference to Helwick Street in that plan and certainly not to a trial or any other closure of that street. So, again, I question why Mr Hansby has attempted to imply that there has been resounding support for the walkability of the retail areas (which is bureaucratic jargon for the establishment of an open air mall).

These areas and the retailers involved form an integral part of, not only the Wanaka business community, but the Wanaka community at large. After all, they are significant ratepayers and contributors to the area’s tourist levies, and being dealt with in such a high-handed manner is somewhat insulting to say the least.

As a consequence of the failure of QLDC to consult with retailers there has, understandably, now been a material loss of confidence and trust which will take some restoration, let alone, the establishment of an appropriate platform for ‘in good faith consultations’ to take place between the parties.

Brian Kreft (Mr Kreft’s family interests own Paper Plus Wanaka and have done for some 31 years.)

Queenstown Lakes District Council responds:

Thanks for taking the time to write in and share your views. We’ve heard a range of views on the activation trials in Wanaka Town Centre over the weekend which is welcomed and valued, although we’d like to acknowledge there is work to be done in collaboration with the local retailers to understand their view of the Wanaka Town Centre. To continue that conversation, Council representatives are scheduled to meet with members of the Lower Helwick and Ardmore Streets Retail Group this week.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Plan needs to include locals first

The trial period for a vehicle-free area along Ardmore and Helwick streets and the waterfront will not get a fair response from the public without council communicating how they plan to compensate for the lost parking inherent in this vehicle-free plan.

It demonstrates lack of foresight from council and Wanaka Community Board members when deciding to take this action without thinking its implications through. The response therefore cannot be relied upon because the public was not fully informed on the possibilities of such a decision. So another waste of time for the community The Queenstown situation illustrates what is likely to happen – the Five Mile and Remarkable Parks shopping areas at Frankton has left Queenstown town a place for tourists, not local residents.

The most likely outcome, should this plan proceed, would be an accelerated development of the Three Parks location with a number of the current downtown businesses seeking retail space adjacent to free parking and easy access, leaving the town centre as a place local residents will not want to go.

This plan, as communicated at present, displays a lack of understanding of local residents’ needs, and seems to point to the tourism sector being the priority sector.

Dave Kerr

THE WANAKA SUN

Crimeline HARBISON D Deane Constable, NZPD Quite a busy week for Wanaka Police as you will see below.

Things started with a stolen vehicle being recovered on Aspiring Terrace with the keys found in the foot well.

During the week Police and other agencies have been working with several families who have been having a variety of issues. These range from breaching police safety orders, verbal arguments, and mental health issues.

Remember there are many places to reach out to in Wanaka if you and your family are struggling. Community Networks 443 7799, Jigsaw 0508 440 255, Life line 0800 543 354 and many more that Police can put you in touch with, all you need to do is ask.

Someone was reported to be snooping around a property on Aubrey Road late on Tuesday evening.

The dogs warned the home owners and probably warned off the intruders as well.

A burglary was also reported on Trevathan Lane. It appears as though someone has entered the house through an unsecured window.

Despite only taking an electronic car key, this sort of offending is very concerning. Please be vigilant about your home’s security and report any suspicious behaviour, this helps Police build a picture of what’s happening in our town.

Over the weekend Police apprehended five drink drivers.

One of those was at the lower end and received a $200 fine and lost 50 demerit points. The other four were well into the higher range and are now required to explain themselves to a judge in Queenstown. They face a fine and losing their driver’s license for quite some time.

A vehicle lost control in the rain whilst driving down the Crown Range, remember the roads can be particularly greasy when wet and it is the first rain for several days.

A motorcyclist was lucky to walk away from a crash when a vehicle towing a trailer crossed his path on

THURSDAY 21.03.19 - WEDNESDAY 27.03.19

PHOTO: Wanaka Sun

Ballantyne Road. He ended up going over the handlebars and catching a lift in the empty trailer.

An older style jet boat was taken from Gunn Road, Albert Town on Saturday evening /Sunday morning.

This jet boat was white with scratches down the side. The double-axle trailer had quite distinctive red mag wheels.

Property was also damaged in the backyard of a house at the Albert Town end of Aubrey Road.

Several strange happenings going on around town with people entering properties where they are not welcome. Please keep an eye out on your neighbours’ houses and report anything suspicious.

And finally, I just want to urge people to lift their heads up, remain happy and feel safe despite the tragic events in Christchurch. The best way we can defend ourselves against such misguided hatred is to open our eyes to everyone’s differences and embrace them. What a boring place we would live in if everyone was the same. Start with the small things, smile at a stranger, wave at someone when they fail to give way to you at the Ardmore street roundabout or steal your carpark at New World. Be patient on the Crown Range and look out for your neighbours. Just be a good human, it’s contagious.

PAGE 13

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CARPET & UPHOLSTERY

NOTICES Wanaka Salvation Army Family Store. Opening Hours – Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, Saturday 9.30am – 4pm. We look forward to seeing you here!

Donations kindly received. Please drop them into the Salvation Army Family store or ph 443 5068 to book a pick up.

Cut rags (100% cotton) and drop cloths, only $7 for a big bag. Now in the yard container at Wastebusters. Open 9-5 seven days.

Business Networking International.

The Wanaka chapter of BNI meets weekly at 7am Tuesday morning. Great networking opportunity to grow your business.

Contact Vicki Donoghue for information 027 208 9462.

Rags, rags, rags ... little ones, big ones, cotton ones and drop cloths, available from the Wanaka Salvation Army Family Store 443 5068.

WANTED SERVICES

EVERY LETTERBOX EVERY THURSDAY Is your Wanaka Sun delivered every Thursday?

If not, email your address to hello@thewanakasun.co.nz or phone us on 03 443 5252

PAGE 14

Wanaka Pharmacy is your local pharmacy.

We’re the big pharmacy at the top of Helwick Street - open from 8am until 7pm every single day.

Ph 443 8000.

FREE COMPUTER LESSONS for older people - Community Networks is offering one-on-one lessons in your own home on your own device or at our offices. If you are interested please call into Community Networks or phone 03 443 7799.

WHEELS TO DUNSTAN - free shuttle service is 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.

INLAND REVENUE are at Community Networks, Wednesday 27th March 9am-1pm. If you need help with your Tax return, Family tax credits or any other enquiry give Inland revenue a call on 0800 227 774 to make a booking.

THURSDAY 21.03.19 - WEDNESDAY 27.03.19

FOODBANK - available for people in need.

Contact Community Networks your local hub resource hub for social wellbeing services.

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.

FREE LEGAL ADVICE available at Community Networks delivered by the Dunedin Community Law Centre on Wednesday 3rd April.

Please call Community Networks on 443 7799 to book your appointment.

L I K E NEWS

SHARE STORIES facebook.com/ wanakasun

Live-In Domestic Helper and Child Carer for family of Chinese and NZ descent living in Wanaka district.

Must be experienced.

Please forward CVs to PO Box 798 Wanaka 9343.

Merino, if anyone has any Merino clothing to spare could you kindly drop it into the Salvation Army Family Store, 48 Helwick Street.

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.

THE WANAKA SUN

Sun Classifieds

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EMPLOYMENT

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Verkerks is one of a very few NZ-owned and vertically integrated FMCG companies, producing quality smallgoods and continental meats for over 60 years.

Our consumer-branded business is the market leader in the salami and ferment type categories across New Zealand supermarket groups.

We are currently seeking a part-time Merchandiser in Wanaka.

FULL & PART TIME DRIVING POSITIONS

The hours of work are approximately 3 hours per week and would generally be 1 hour each day between 7am - 9am, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Occasional Saturday work may be required, and further hours may be available from time to time doing tasting demonstrations.

WANAKA BASED Class 2 + 4 license with P endorsement an advantage.

An ideal job for a student or someone looking for a small part-time job, the successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring our product range is properly stocked and displayed in New World Wanaka.

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

You will be reliable, able to work without supervision, have flexibility in their schedule and will be confident and outgoing. You must also be available to work between the times of 7am - 9am. Prior experience in a merchandising role is preferred, but not essential as full training will be provided.

if this sounds like you

For more information please contact Alexis Keeman on 375-1725.

Contact Us Today on 021897142 or email CV to: design@ritchies.co.nz

MEDIA SALES CONSULTANT The Wanaka Sun is seeking an enthusiastic, driven and outgoing salesperson to join its media sales team.

EMPLOYMENT

To apply for this job go to: https://verkerks.recruitmenthub.co.nz & enter ref code: 4607999.

Applications close 29 March 2019

WWW.THEWANAKASUN.CO.NZ

New Zealand Specialist’s wanted!!

Due to several internal movements we are looking for more people to join our sales team. We are here in Wanaka and need you to help us design great New Zealand wide holidays for our visitors. NZFT is New Zealand’s leading and fastest growing inbound tour operator. We own and operate 8 different brands creating holidays to New Zealand for people from all over the world, especially Australia, USA, Canada and the UK. What we want. The facts: • We want people who are well organized and great communicators. We can train you on almost everything else.

• It’s hard work especially during the busy seasons. Our expectations on customer service are legendary in the industry.

• Our customers are active every day and so are we – which means there are some rostered weekend shifts and public holidays. Don’t worry – you get paid extra for that!

• Commitment to giving it your best shot.

• You must be entitled to work in NZ for a minimum of 2 years.

What you get. The facts: • A full time well paid position. In year 1 we would be disappointed if you didn’t earn $75k – but that’s up to you! You can earn as much as you want to.

• A constant flow of well qualified enquiry.

• The best technology in the industry to help you earn the best pay in this sector of tourism.

• Great support and training.

Modern lakefront office on Ardmore Street in Wanaka • And you work in travel – which means you get to go see and do things that our visitors do.

• There’s more but the ad is too small!

If you want to find out more then send Luke an email - luke@nzft.co.nz or just stick your neck out and apply with your CV and a letter telling us why you fit the above.

Check us out here www.nzft.co.nz

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.

Casual Bulk Foods Merchandiser

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.

We have a casual position available in Wanaka involving covering hours during the week and weekend as needed.

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 25.

Apply with a current CV and cover letter to Benn Ashford, admin@thewanakasun.co.nz

THEWANAKASUN.CO.NZ /WanakaSun

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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.

PAGE 15

Sun Sport

Small pitch thwarts Seniors, Reserves in Division 1 and 2 clashes The Wanaka AFC Seniors lost 2-1 to the Queenstown Rovers Classics in a tightly contested match at the Queenstown Events Centre. The result leaves Wanaka with one point from two games in Division 1 of the Radio Central Football League.

Playing on a pitch that could only be described as a postage stamp, the Classics scored first from the penalty spot with Wanaka earning a penalty of their own in the second half to level the scores at 1-1 with 20 minutes to play. Classics scored their second with only five minutes remaining to take all three points.

“We played some really good footy at times, but every attack we just seemed to run out of pitch,” lamented striker Steve Pleskun, clearly frustrated with the size of the short, narrow Queenstown pitch.

Pleskun and centre back Thomas van Hees each forced excellent saves from the Classics keeper before Irishman Barry Grehan, on debut for the Seniors, scored with a well taken penalty.

Wanaka will need to be more efficient in front of goal when they take on table-topping Lakes United in their next game at the Wanaka Recreation Centre on Saturday.

WAFC Senior Reserves went down to Charruas FC in a Division 2 match in Queenstown.

The Queenstown outfit mainly made up of local Uruguayan players was a welldrilled team that played a typical South American style.

The WAFC Senior Reserves team were rocked in the first five minutes when the Charruas found an easy hold in their defence and made no mistake in putting the ball in the back of the net.

The Reserves fought back but could find space on the under-14 sized pitch or a way through the Charruas line. They had their chances but not many and just couldn’t penetrate. At halftime it was 1-0 and stayed that way until the last 20 minutes when a wellworked attack from Charruas found another hold and another good finish by their striker made the score 2-0.

The final score was 2-0 to the South Americans. It was a difficult game for the WAFC Senior Reserves but they never gave up a battled all game.

They are one win and one lost for the season and it’s very early days. They are still finding their feet and getting used to each other and I’m sure when things start settling down more good results will go their way.

Players of note from Saturday’s game were centre back Liam Hodgson, left back Mikey Bopp and goalkeeper Victor Meja.

– By Andrew Miller

thewanakasun.co.nz

Gender-balanced team makes race history ALLISON MCLEAN

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

With a balanced team, anything is possible. Team Perpetual Guardian set that benchmark last week by being the first equal-gendered team to nab the GODZone adventure race champion trophy.

Wanaka-based Simone Maier, Emily Wilson and Marcel Hagener along with Queenstown’s Chris Forne crossed the adventure race finish line in Akaroa last Thursday after putting forth a nearly non-stop effort for four days, eight hours and 30 minutes. With that time stamp came a sacrifice of sleep, only about one-point-five hours out of 24.

“It proves that anything is possible,” said Maier, who is also this year’s Coast to Coast female champion. “I think we have created a bit of sporting history with this result. It proves that a team does not necessarily need to consist of three men and one woman to win.

I guess it needs a few more trials to see if there is more behind it in regards of performance when you race as an equal-gender team. We had here a one-off scenario, and it only proves that it is possible to win.”

The team chose to race the sevenday, 600km race on Canterbury terrain with two females and two males to highlight what can be accomplished with an equal combination.

“Nathan Fa'avae and Marcel [Maier’s partner] had talked about the idea of a fresh team constellation with two guys and girls racing together rather than the normal three guys to one girl ratio,” said Maier. “Chris was keen to try this out for a new challenge and we really

PHOTO: Alexandre Socci

[wanted] to make it work.”

She told the Wanaka Sun, “Historically there are more males than females in competitive sports, not only in adventure racing, and I assume that's why this ratio got made up in the first place. There are just more men than women racing. Though this is changing especially here in New Zealand.”

Maier said she was thrilled to be racing with Forne again after joining his 2016 GODZone team in Queenstown; Forne has won every single GODZone race except in 2016.

“GODZone is always a big challenge and it was cool to race with this team,” said Forne. “It’s been an amazingly spectacular experience together out on that course with awesome views and Canterbury terrain.”

Maier noted that the team’s balance felt even this year. “...Maybe because of the equal gender ratio. But, then again, I have been racing a lot in the usual configurations and we had a

good team energy too. It very much depends on the character of the athletes one is racing with. I think we all contributed something positive to the team and it showed in the result and the overall memory we have from the race,” she said.

“These three are super strong and I was a bit scared to start with because I didn't want to be a passenger,” said Wilson. “Simone and Marcel are like a German freight train on a bike that it’s just a matter of jumping on and hanging on. I felt I contributed more in the boat, and with the technical riding it was good because both Simone and I could ride all those sections.”

Maier attributed her team’s success to hard work, training, navigation and a consistent pace. “Trust is a big part of it, relying on your teammates to help you through the difficult times and move forward together,” she said. “Perpetual Guardian decided to support us within a very short time frame before race start. It was an amazing gesture, which we appreciate very much and we can not thank them enough for believing in us. They started the four-day work week and received worldwide attention for that.

We tried to match this in racing time but missed out by half a day.”

Next year’s ninth GODZone will be held in Rotorua, which is the first North Island area to host the adventure race.

Pictured: Simone Maier, Emily Wilson, Chris Forne and Marcel Hagener made history last week by being the first team of two women and two men to win the GODZone adventure race, held in Canterbury this year.

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PAGE 16

THURSDAY 21.03.19 - WEDNESDAY 27.03.19

THE WANAKA SUN