Ethical Easter egg options
INSIDE THIS WEEK Views: Page 13 Jobs: Page 15 Sport: Page 11
Feel good while indulging.
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Adam Hall wins Supreme Sports Award Paralympian reigns the slopes.
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DELIVERED AND FREE
EDITION 918
Council advised to refuse Northlake hotel Emma Conyngham
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz PHOTO: Facebook/Health Select Committee
Save our Wanaka Midwives submits to Parliament Emma Conyngham
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
K
risti James and Iona Bentley presented their submission to the Health Select Committee last week via teleconference. The pair have been tirelessly campaigning for more midwifery support to Wanaka and are calling on the Southern District Health Board (DHB) to make good on their promise to deliver the promised maternity hub. Bentley and James are mums, not midwives, but they have stepped up to fight the battle for Wanaka’s midwives who are so overworked they don’t have time— literally. In a 336-hour fortnight, Wanaka’s two midwives only get one 48-hour period when they are not on call. The system for pre- and post-natal care in Wanaka is “catastrophically broken” according to James. In 2018 “we had one Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) for almost 200 births. This is hugely different to the Ministry guidelines of one LMC per 40 births,” she said. “We understand a birthing unit is not on the cards,” said James. “We just want what we’ve been promised which was documented in a report in August. It doesn't seem like there has been any progress. Where it will be, what it will look like, how will it be funded, when it will be available to us?” James stated that she appreciates the DHB’s telehealth clinic and the small top up of $300 per woman but it doesn’t even scratch the surface of the actual level of need. “Years ago, midwives would travel to Dunedin with the mum when she was in labour but that was stopped.
I had to drive to Dunedin in labour, through a remote rural route in winter, with no help. No ambulance, no support, no clinic,” said Bentley. “Midwives have stopped going to Dunedin and forgo the ‘catch-thebaby-fee’ because it’s not affordable for them to travel and stay in Dunedin.” James stated very clearly that Wanaka needs more services and infrastructure. “We want the DHB to deliver on their promise. We want action on the maternal hub; when it will be built and what it’s going to look like. We want to be a part of that conversation.” MP Jacqui Dean who has been championing Save our Wanaka Midwives, said “I believe Ministry of Health officials were surprised at the limited services available in the town, with one even commenting that Alexandra’s unit should be in Wanaka. Clearly shifting the services, which Alexandra women need to Wanaka, is only moving the problem from one area to another and is not an equitable solution.” “I am hopeful that now that the Health Select Committee has been made aware of the maternity shortfalls in Wanaka, it will follow this issue through. I am encouraged that the Committee has asked the Southern DHB to report back to them on when Wanaka’s maternity hub will be operational. Although there are no specifics around a date, or a location, I think the Southern DHB will be under no illusion that this work must commence shortly.” “I also intend to keep a close eye on these developments and hold the Southern DHB to account.” Pictured: James and Bentley made their oral submission via teleconference to the Health Select Committee.
I
n a win for community mobilisation, Queenstown Lakes District Council’s Sarah Gathercole, who is a Senior Resource Consents Planner, delivered a “Refused” judgement on the application of Northlake Investment Ltd to build a 113-bed hotel in the subdivision. The recommendation was delivered yesterday (Wednesday, April 16). The Wanaka Community Supporting Our Northlake Neighbours Incorporated Society was established to coordinate the submission process and to be the voice of opposition for those who are silenced. Their efforts have paid off, and whilst there is still the hearing in May, the group is optimistic. The decision by Gathercole reads, “That subject to new or additional evidence being presented at the Hearing, the application be REFUSED pursuant to Section 104 of the Resource Management Act 1991 (the RMA) for the following reasons: 1. It is considered that the adverse effects of the activity will be more than minor and unacceptable for the following reasons: I consider that the deviation from the underlying Outline Development Plan and replacement with a new Outline Development Plan, particularly the removal of the tennis court and replacement with a hotel would have unacceptable adverse effects on the amenity and character of Northlake, which was established
through the existing approved Outline Development Plan. The off-site coach parks could result in inappropriate adverse traffic, amenity and character effects. The noise arising from the activity may result in adverse effects on neighbouring properties that is more than minor and unacceptable. 2. The proposal is inconsistent with the relevant objectives and policies of the District Plan. 3. The proposal does not promote the overall purpose of the RMA.” Gathercole noted the immense feedback from submitters in regards to the loss of the tennis court and the subsequent noise and pollution. Gathercole states, “At this stage there is no certainty as to whether the tennis court can be relocated to another suitable site and therefore there may be adverse effects arising from the removal of this community facility. ...however it is considered that the loss of the tennis court and replacement with a hotel will result in adverse effects on the amenity and recreation values currently experienced within this area and on the owners and occupiers of adjacent properties.” The decision appeared on the council’s website at 1.47pm yesterday and was immediately receiving congratulatory messages on the Wanaka Community Supporting Our Northlake Neighbours Facebook group.
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ANZAC Day services to go ahead Road Emma Conyngham
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
NZ Police last week called for the consolidation of ANZAC Day services around the country this year, however the local services in Hawea and Wanaka will go ahead. In a statement last Thursday (April 11) New Zealand Commissioner of Police New Zealand Mike Bush thanked the RSA and community leaders “for their support and understanding in regard to the consolidation of ANZAC Day services for this year”. “The decision to provide advice that some services should be consolidated was not taken lightly, and was made for the safety of everyone involved,” he said. “We have clearly stated that there is no information of a specific threat to ANZAC Day. However the national threat level in New Zealand remains at high at this time.” The Hawea District ANZAC Committee and Hawea Community Association are hosting the Hawea District Dawn Service on April 25 at the ANZAC Peninsula on the Lake Hawea Dam at 7am. Armed police will be present at the service which will begin with a Call to Commemoration followed by a himene sung by Hawea Flat School students. The service will include poems read by Rachel Brown and Winifred McAllister Brown, guest speaker Queen’s Service Medal recipient Rod Anderson, a reading by Hawea District Roll of Honour student Rata Horan, a waiata by Wanaka Kapahaka Group and the laying of wreaths by the official party. The Australian and New Zealand National Anthems will be sung by Anna van Riel and Isla Henderson respectively. There will also be an armed police presence at
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closures gets thumbs up STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: Wanaka Sun
the Lake Wanaka dawn service at 7am by the log cabin, and at the 9.30am service at the Lake Wanaka Centre. A wreath laying ceremony will be held at the Cenotaph after the second service, but this year there will not be a procession to the Chalmers Street war memorial. Commander Lyal Cocks, RNZN (Rtd) said the New Zealand Veterans Brass Band will be playing the national anthems, hymns and a piece titled ‘Fernleaf Headstones’, while Martin Curtis will perform Robin Laing’s ‘Donald Cameron VC’. Lieutenant Colonel Kendall Langston, Commanding Officer of 2/4 RNZIR, and Mount Aspiring College students Peta McKay and Fletch Cavanagh will speak at the Wanaka services. Pictured: Residents and visitors gathered at the Chalmers Street Cenotaph for last year’s ANZAC Day wreath laying.
The community has spoken up loud and clear about the Wanaka Town Centre Master Plan and transport options, with more than 1000 people sharing their views online, and many more doing so in person. The majority of which, at 94 percent, were Upper Clutha ratepayers and residents. Queenstown Lakes District Deputy Mayor Calum MacLeod is thrilled with the response, which he said is unprecedented in the Queenstown Lakes District. “We tried a number of ways to reach out to the Upper Clutha community and businesses to let them know about the town centre trials and master plan options. We are always looking for new and improved ways to communicate and the trial activations certainly helped to focus the conversation and bring people together to share their views and ideas,” MacLeod said. “The trials gave us all a glimpse of a potential future, put pressure on infrastructure, established the urgent need for a second cross-town route, identified pressure points, while enabling us to share information and test concepts with the community. The data we collected through this process is incredibly valuable.” The lakefront street closures, which came under fire from residents and retailers during the March trial, were generally supported. More than 70 percent of people favoured some form of closure, with 31 percent in favour of
THURSDAY 18.04.19 - WEDNESDAY 24.04.19
closing Lakeside Road to McDougall Street. Twenty percent didn’t support any type of road closure for town. Most people (37 percent) favoured a bypass along Riverbank Road to take pressure off routes in the town centre, while an Anderson Road/Golf Course Road bypass was the next highest rating option (32 percent). Residents again showed a clear preference for relocating parking away from the lakefront, with 71 percent in support. While considering alternative parking options to ease parking woes, respondents rated a multi-storey car park off Brownston Street (33 percent) and the south edge of Pembroke Park (28 percent) as their preferred options. Almost two-thirds supported connecting Pembroke Park to the lakefront, which would lead to the closure of this stretch of Ardmore Street. In the coming weeks, survey data and comments will be analysed and factored in as the community reference group and the project team develops a preferred masterplan and transport programme, with further community engagement scheduled for late May. “Change is the only constant and at this stage the only option not on the table is doing nothing. So for now it’s heads down, tails up while the project team work through the process of developing a preferred programme of work. I am very much looking forward to sharing that work with the whole community again later in May,” MacLeod said.
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District wastewater overflow consent lodged STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Fatbergs, building material and root intrusions which cause wastewater overflows have prompted Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) to lodge a resource consent application with the Otago Regional Council (ORC) to authorise wastewater network overflows from QLDC-owned and operated wastewater networks. Peter Hansby, QLDC general manager property and infrastructure, said that these overflows are predominantly caused by things like fats, sanitary items, wet wipes, and building materials incorrectly being put into the system, or from root intrusion from trees growing near pipes. “QLDC is committed to protecting public health and the environment. We have good practices in place to respond to an overflow, but this process gives us the opportunity to review those practices and make sure that we are responding in the best way to protect public health and the environment and reduce the likelihood of them occurring in the future.” Hansby said council has undertaken extensive work around assessing the public health and environmental effects of these overflows, and while these are not considered to be significant they can’t be confirmed to always be less than minor. “We therefore requested at the time we submitted
the application that ORC publicly notify it. This is also because we have involved the community during the preparation of the application and we would like to continue to be transparent with them through this process,” he said. The application will be publicly notified after ORC has accepted the application for processing, undertaken an initial review, and asked for any further information. “The wastewater network is essential in protecting our community from unnecessary exposure to wastewater but occasionally overflows occur due to blockages and breaks. QLDC is required to authorise these occasional overflows under the Resource Management Act. Our application focuses on how the effects from an overflow are managed through our response to cleaning them up, educating our community, and through improvements to our network over the coming years,” said Hansby. As part of QLDC’s 2018-2028 Ten Year Plan, a number of improvements to the wastewater network are planned to reduce the likelihood of overflows occurring. The two focus areas identified in the Wanaka Wastewater Master Plan are: a capacity upgrade of the pump station at Gordon Road; and a treatment upgrade for Project Pure to cater for additional future flows from the Hawea and Luggate communities. These improvements will cater for future growth while also further protecting key recreational areas from contamination.
Speed limit consultation period extended STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has extended the community consultation period on the draft Speed Limits Bylaw 2019, and on a range of speed limit reductions proposed throughout the district. Included in the speed limit proposals is the reduction of speed through urban areas throughout the district from 50kph to 40kph, and a new limit for the Crown Range. Consultation was to finish on April 12, but council has extended the time period in response to public feedback concerning the process and information given. QLDC has therefore presented the background information in a clarified format and has revised the online submission form to enable submitters to specify
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their position on individual speed proposals for each of the identified roads rather than the broader grouped proposals. All submissions made to date will still be considered however, with previous online submitters receiving an email with a link to the updated consultation material to consider whether to add to or alter their previous submission. The proposed recommendations can be reviewed at www.qldc.govt.nz/lets-talk or at any QLDC office. A drop-in session will be held on Monday, April 29 from 6-7.30pm at the Lake Wanaka Centre, and consultation will now close at 5pm on May 13. Following consultation, hearings will be held in Wanaka on June 5 and in Queenstown on June 6 for those wishing to speak in support of their submission. Council will consider the outcome of the consultation, hearings and recommendations later in June.
PHOTO: Liz Rowe
Delectable and ethical Easter treats ALLISON MCLEAN
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Much to the delight of children, bunnies and sweet-toothed adults everywhere, Easter is an edible time of year. But, for those “good eggs” wanting to feel better about their Easter chocolate purchases, all hope is not lost as the Wanaka Sun found a few satiating ways to satisfy that almighty holiday craving. “A lot of Easter treats are made with compound chocolate where the largest ingredients are actually fat and sugar,” said Anna McDonald, OCHO Otago Chocolate Company marketing communications specialist. OCHO, which McDonald said is definitely not the typical Easter chocolate, consists of more than 50 percent cacao; the company even makes a 100 percent cacao chocolate bar, which is derived from nothing but cacao beans. The Dunedin-based craft chocolate maker measures some of its success through a sustainable value chain so it can trace the beans used down to the farm where they were grown, which also helps ensure the growers receive a fair price. Beans are also fair-sourced from New Zealand’s Pacific Island neighbours to reduce the distance the company has to travel, thereby staying conscious of its carbon footprint. Wanaka locals can find OCHO chocolate at Soulfood Organic or buy it from ocho.co.nz; the company recently launched a milk chocolate bar just in time for the holiday weekend.
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Readers can also fill their Easter baskets will other feel-good treats found locally at Wholefood Haven and at Albert Town’s Pembroke Patisserie. Wholefood Haven is seasonally stocking The Chocolate Workshop’s unique, locally handmade Easter treats. Customers will find raspberry marshmallow half eggs, small dark chocolate bunnies with a hazelnut centre and milk chocolate bunnies while supplies last. The organic food store is also selling Banjo’s carob eggs that are gluten-free, palm-oilfree and with no added sugar, which are positioned across from the shop’s seasonal selection of gluten-free hot cross buns. The Chocolate Workshop’s freshly made Easter creations are also showcased at Pembroke Patisserie, which sells the Wanaka-based chocolate maker’s frog-shaped treats year round. The small artisan chocolate treats will be packaged at the bakery in cardboard or paper boxes. “In general, if you want to avoid palm-oil products made for shelf life a long-time in advance, avoid big brand names and look at the ingredient list,” said The Chocolate Workshop owner and Wanaka artisan Tanja Schwindt. “High quality chocolate won't have vegetable fat in it, but it comes at a cost. Quality over quantity.” For other certified or Fair Trade items, visit the organic or health food sections of your local grocery stores or shop at organic grocers. Pictured: OCHO cocoa is sourced from Pacific Island farmers.
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THURSDAY 18.04.19 - WEDNESDAY 24.04.19
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Laser cut models: Easter display Ollie Blyth
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
Bruce Kendall, a local resident at the Wanaka Retirement Village is opening a public display of his laser cut models this Easter weekend, and the community is welcome to join in. The free display will be open this week on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm. Kendall, a retired engineer, has always been fascinated by the mechanics of making models. “The fascination of personal involvement in the plastics industry in early life… makes this hobby a natural extension with my spare time these days,” he says, “my wife, in desperation of seeing me glued to a computer screen, has encouraged and assisted me to continue making these very interesting structures.” He says that making these models takes him back to his childhood, however one can imagine that making these models is not child’s play. This stimulating hobby is
keeping Kendall busy, and he expressed that, “finger and mind are now kept nimble as one delves back into boyhood.” He spent some time in Wellington with Weta Workshops creating these models and has 20 to go on display this weekend, “what we have here in Wanaka Village is somewhat a sample of our work,” he says. The display will include 20 different models of his ranging from music boxes to train stations and airships, made from a combination of Lego and laser cut materials. He has also incorporated locomotives into his designs, with some models being solar powered and some wind up. The display will be open to members of the public in the Pembroke Lounge at the Presbyterian Support Village behind Elmslie House at 7 Meadowstone Drive. Kendall himself will be present at the display between 10am-12pm and 1-2pm on all days that it is open. Pictured: Bruce Kendall with one of his models.
Free Lilybulb with every Mail-Order received with this advert.
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Promising duck numbers ahead of season
PHOTO: Fish and Game NZ
STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Otago duck numbers are looking good for the upcoming season, with a slight increase on last year. Otago Fish and Game officer Paul van Klink, who has recently completed the annual mallard monitoring flights over Coastal and South Otago, said, "total numbers are well up on last year and on par with 2015-2017”. “It was interesting to see how the ducks
were spread throughout the region. The pattern was different from previous years." The Southland and Central South Island counts were way up from previous years and van Klink suggested that while the data didn’t show a large increase in Otago, hunters should be very happy with the numbers overall. Van Klink said the results backed up what the MetService and farmers had been saying—it has been very dry in South Otago, so several ponds lacked enough water and habitat to support mallard populations.
"Many smaller ponds were much lower or completely dry with no ducks at all. Mallards were in good numbers in larger ponds and along the river transects, especially the Taieri and the Pomahaka,” he said. Recent rain in Otago should have helped the situation and the ducks should spread out amongst the smaller ponds dotted around the countryside—just in time for opening. Pictured: Ponds like this throughout Otago show good numbers of ducks on them in the lead up to duck hunting season opening on May 4.
Further plans for Three Manuhaea Waka Journeys Parks’ business hub open day STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Two waka, which have been constructed at the Ngãi Tahu nohoanga site in Lake Hawea, will be available to view at an open day on Sunday, April 21. Manuhaea Waka Journeys’ Jimmy Brennan will be on hand to talk to the public and there will be a presentation about the project. Manuhaea is located on the eastern side of “The Neck”, the narrow isthmus of land separating Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. The open day will begin with a powhiri at 12pm at the site, located near the boat ramp at Lake Hawea.
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Willowridge Developments Limited has applied for a subdivision of land within the Three Parks Business (Main Street) Subzone. The land to be subdivided for Stage B2 is located to the south of the Three Parks Zone and spans both sides of Sir Tim Wallis Drive. Subdivision consent is sought to create 17 commercial lots–and 16 accessory lots, two legal roads held within two lots–and a balance lot. The application includes the construction of two service lanes, part of Road 17, a right-of-way, and associated services and earthworks. The site has previously been subject
to bulk earthworks which has created near-flat lots with a very gentle slope to the northeast of the site. The proposed lots are between 668sqm and 1075sqm, with all parking, access and servicing to the rear of the site leaving the business lots available for unimpeded building. The application maintains this is “an efficient subdivision design and separating parking and manoeuvring out of the main business lots counteracts the smaller size of the business lots”. Proposed Road 17 is adjacent to Ministry of Education land designated for education purposes as the site of the new primary school. It has been included in the application in order to provide a rear access to the proposed school, as requested by the MoE.
THURSDAY 18.04.19 - WEDNESDAY 24.04.19
OUR PEOPLE OUR DOCTORS
The next edition of Our People, Our Doctors series is here. This week we’re introducing Dr Mark Edmond. Mark has recently bought Dr Susie Meyer’s shares in Aspiring Medical Centre after being with us since 2013, so we are enjoying working with him in the leadership team. Learn how he went from wanting to be a dinosaur bone collector to successful GP and now one of the partners our practice. Doctors Name: Mark Edmond Specialised Area: Evidence-based natural medicine; fatigue disorders; minor surgery; relationships. Medical Passion: Finding solutions for people. Personal Passion: My family, nutrient Dr Mark Edmond dense food, edgy MBChB, BHB, sports. Cert Derm, FRNZCGP Did you always want to be a doctor? Nope. Dinosaur bone collector – it seemed to be the natural next step from LEGO to me. But then watching my father be a GP made me think of medicine. Initially pride made me discount general practice. It wasn’t until I did a locum for my father that I found my joy in medicine and I have been a GP ever since. How long have you lived in Wanaka? Five years What’s the best thing about living here? Adventure and hot the summers. What’s your favourite Wanaka activity or locals tip for visitors? I love a summer evening lakeside BBQ and my visitor tip is – don’t eat yellow snow! If you could invite any four famous people to dinner (alive or dead) who would you ask? Jesus – the boss of how to win friends and influence people; my wife Angie for sure, because we’ll be talking about that dinner for the rest of our lives; Charlie Chaplin and Don Barry, because he would love it. One piece of health or general life advice: By far the single best thing you can do for your health is exercise.
Call: 443 0725 www.aspiringmedical.co.nz 23 Cardrona Valley Road, Wanaka
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Long way home to Hawea STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTOs: supplied
A new spin on Easter weekend activities ALLISON MCLEAN
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
The Wheels at Wanaka (WAW) event staff are polishing the chrome and perfecting the parade grounds for their inaugural transport show this Easter weekend. Tickets are still on sale for guests to see more than a thousand vehicles while celebrating all things with wheels or tracks at Three Parks Wanaka. “If it's got wheels or tracks, it will be here," said the WAW creator Allan Dippie. "Most general public are waiting to see what the weather is going to be like; so, if it's a sunny day, get online and buy your tickets so you don't need to line up on the day," said WAW event manager Colleen Nisbet. "Pre-paid will be a quicker entry. Prices are on our website
www.wheelsatwanaka.co.nz and buying online is possible all weekend." Four normally separate events will be showcased together over the twoday, biennial event to celebrate New Zealand’s transportation, farming and construction industry heritage. "The sky’s the limit on the new tradition of Easter weekend activities as the committees behind Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow and Wheels at Wanaka rotate their shows annually," said WAW media and marketing manager Annabel Roy. Dippie will showcase hundreds of tractors from his own collection alongside droves of other vehicles that are arriving in Wanaka from around the country and Australia in order to participate in what is being called the country’s largest vehicle
show. Guests can expect to see a large variety of vintage vehicles, a continuous parade of automotive and earth-moving machines as well as food, trade, retail and spot prizes. Among the heavy machinery will be a 74-tonne-empty Caterpillar scraper that recently arrived in town. WAW is a test run and, if proved successful, would ideally be presented in Wanaka every second year. Event public entry is this Saturday and Sunday from 9am - 4.30pm. Public parking, ticket sales and the entry gate is off Sir Tim Wallis Drive. Vehicles can pre-register online or turn up on the day before 8.30am. The display vehicle entrance is at 135 Ballantyne Road. Pictured: The first tractor in Northland and only Saunderson Universal G tractor (1919) in New Zealand.
Earlier this week, somewhere in Canterbury, Rebecca Wardell clocked 20,000km on her bike on her long way home to Hawea. The former NZ Commonwealth and Olympic athlete set off from Switzerland in April 2018 to cycle her way home to New Zealand. Wardell started her journey with friends New Zealand Olympian Emma Twigg and NZ university representative rower Sarah van Ballekom. Due to other commitments, both women could only join the epic adventure for some of the journey, but Wardell was often joined by friends and family along the route. The athletes took on the adventure of cycling through “Europe, Turkey, Iran, 'the Stans', China and South East Asia before the final trek down the length of New Zealand” to raise funds and awareness for New Zealand charity Forward Foundation which inspires the next generation of young female leaders through sport. After running out of land, Wardell flew back to New Zealand at the beginning of March 2019 and has been visiting as many schools as possible along the 20,000km journey home. The women were keen to raise $20,000, a dollar for every kilometre cycled. They hit that goal, and with the support of Forward Foundation, they are keen for any future donations go towards supporting the victims of the Christchurch shootings. Now on the final leg of her epic journey, Wardell reached Tekapo on Tuesday, three days and 219km to her destination. She will be telling her story and showing a short video about the adventure that has seen her spending more than 1000 hours in the bike seat and climbing the equivalent height of Mount Everest more than 11 times at a talk in Hawea on Tuesday, April 23. “A short story about the Long Way Home” will be held at Lake Hawea Community Centre, Hawea Flat, from 7-9pm.
Buying “off the plans”: the legal lie of the land After 25-odd years, I’ve lost count of the cases I’ve seen where people would wager a vital organ they haven’t put a single legal foot wrong. In reality, they’re marinating in wrongdoing, risk and liability. Conversely, there are the folk who – often not unreasonably – smell a big, hairy rat, and assume dodgy dealings ... when, actually, everything’s totally legit and above board. Ah yes, the law can be a funny old thing, and doesn’t always neatly reconcile everyone’s individual take on fairness and logic. And that can spark a whole load of conjecture and misinformation. Case in point, a current local hot potato: a developer’s proposed hotel developments, one in Wanaka, and the other in Queenstown. I’m not here to debate the wider, philosophical merits of these proposals, and the benefits, or otherwise, to our local communities. From some of the commentary I’ve been hearing and reading, though, the record most definitely does need to be set straight on the legal lie of the land surrounding some aspects of these particular projects, and developments in general, be they subdivisions or bricks-andmortar propositions. It’s fair to say, both proposals have been met with notable public resistance. The planned Queenstown-based hotel has recently been granted resource consent, albeit with significant restrictions. At the time of writing, the community and developer still await the decision on whether the Wanaka complex will also be given the green light, and, if so, with what conditions. What seems to have left many particularly aghast is that both properties have gone on the market before the resource consents have been finalised, fuelling speculation there’s something shonky going on.
They can’t do that ... can they?
The answer is a resounding “yes”, and, what’s more, it actually happens all the time. Moreover, not only is it standard practice for developers to sell “off the plans” ahead of resource consent being granted, developments are frequently put on the market before the application’s even been lodged. So, again, by way of reassurance: the fact the developer has pushed ahead with marketing these projects, and is trying to get advance sales, is a legal non-issue. Part of what’s worrying me about the focus on, and commentary around, that, however, is it deflects from the legal considerations and realities that actually are highly relevant and extremely important for potential buyers in making wise, and informed, choices. Buying in a project’s infancy requires a leap of faith of varying length, depending on the development – but that shouldn’t be a blind jump into the great unknown. Work with your legal adviser to background check your developer and conduct a risk assessment. Your investment – and, likely, your peace of mind – is relying on the developer delivering. Ultimately, though, one downside of getting in early is you might very well sign up for a dream that never materialises beyond some hip, ontrend artist’s impression. Is that a risk you could swallow? Conversely, though, I’ve seen plenty of situations where there’s been fabulous collaboration, with delighted buyers, who got on board at inception, helping customise the project to their tastes and needs, adding impressive value along the way. A bonus cherry on top around getting in early is sometimes – I stress, sometimes – you can bag a pretty darned sweet deal.
Reality check the risks
A common source of grief for buyers are contracts that allow the developer to make changes to the plans – without any consultation.
Understanding this in theory at signing can be quite, quite different from accepting the reality, should it comes to pass. If you’re serious about proceeding, you need to confirm whether the developer is seeking this right in your case. They are? Then, think very long and hard whether you really (truly, seriously) would be able to stomach having to proceed with buying a property that differs – possibly markedly – from that for which you signed up. If property development was a walk-in-thepark, dead-cert gold mine, everyone would be doing it. Bad things can beset even the most savvy, seasoned and responsible developer. Despite best efforts, they can get into financial strife, and the fallout’s often devastating and widespread. What you need to be doing as a potential buyer is shoring up as much certainty and as many robust protections as possible, at the get-go. For example, if you proceed, make sure your deposit is safeguarded in a stakeholder account. The contract terms should also make it crystal clear, if things turn to custard, who receives the deposit, and under what circumstances it would be refunded. While part of the reality of buying off the plans typically means a relatively lengthy wait, you should have contractual stipulations around timeframes, lest the delay becomes untenable. Be sure any agreement you sign has a “sunset date” or finite timeline for completion, both of which put an agreed limit on how long you and the developer can be locked in. The Resource Management Act offers some minor protections for those buying properties in a land development that’s yet to be subdivided, including a 14-day cooling off period, during which the buyer can cancel after signing up. Secondly, if the developer doesn’t get the appropriate plans to the territorial authority in a timely manner post-resource consent, a buyer might also have grounds to terminate.
www.aspiringlaw.co.nz
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THURSDAY 18.04.19 - WEDNESDAY 24.04.19
with Janice Hughes Never assume
One of my greatest professional frustrations is the number of people who come through my door upset and unsettled – their situation sometimes beyond the point of no return – because they’ve based their decision-making on assumptions, someone else’s experiences or whispers in the wind. If you’re buying from a developer, remember every development is different, some of the terms can be onerous, and often come with little-to-no right to appeal or seek redress. Vigilance and due diligence are key, including taking thorough, timely advice and fully appreciating the terms to which you’re signing up. Committing early in a development really does come with its own set of very unique considerations, risks ... and, with a good measure of homework and a little luck, potential rewards.
Please remember: the information in this column is designed as a general guide only and should not replace specific legal advice on a particular issue. Janice Hughes is a Director of Aspiring Law. If you have questions or feedback about this article, please contact Janice on 03 443 0900, or email janice@aspiringlaw.co.nz.
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Free flu shot to protect elderly and children ALLISON MCLEAN
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
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A big win for Lake Wanaka Tourism STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
Lake Wanaka Tourism (LWT) took out the win at a gala dinner held in Sydney last Thursday, April 11, in the Breakthrough Destination category, at the Mumbrella Travel Marketing Awards. Mumbrella’s Travel Awards have 18 categories that recognise the best from Australasia; with the 2019 awards the best work seen in recent history. With categories across PR, media, creative and brand, leading industry experts serve as jurors, to decide the industry’s standout work from the past year. LWT was the winner of Breakthrough Destination. This category seeks to recognise a destination (of any size) that has made a significant impact within the travel industry achieving substantial recognition across the industry or in the media by releasing a cut-through campaign.
LWT’s General Manager James Helmore said this award is a brilliant tribute to the LWT team and the exceptional quality of work they deliver. “Over the past year Wanaka’s visitor economy has hit record levels, with visitors staying longer and spending more. Key tactical activity targeting travel in the shoulder periods has focused on value over volume, resulting in an increase of visitor spend at a greater rate than nights. This award is definitely validation of our fresh marketing approach into Australia, and the results we have been able to achieve.” Not only did LWT take out this highly contended category, but their digital agency The Wired were shortlisted as finalists in the Best Media Strategy category for the LWT #SKIWANAKA campaign. Pictured: Breakthrough Destination Winners LWT James Helmore and Gizelle Regan with Digital Agency, The Wired.
A makeover for Mitre 10 Mega STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
The new Mitre 10 Mega development for Three Parks “deviates considerably” from the standard brand design, according to the application lodged by Ironside Properties Ltd with Queenstown Lakes District Council. The building has been designed to take into consideration its sensitive Wanaka location, with the corporate colours modified and the bulk of the metal claddings in Ironsand with only the entry vestibule and branding strip in the Mitre 10 orange. Willowridge Developments has previously lodged a separate application to uplift additional floorspace from the zone’s permitted 10,000sqm Gross Floor
Area (GFA) retail floorspace as the development will exceed the permitted GFA. With the 4342sqm New World currently under construction, this 9514sqm proposed development exceeds the permitted floorspace by 3856sqm. The retail hall will be 4813sqm, with a covered and uncovered garden centre totalling 3969 combined. The trade yard, at 3499sqm, is about 100sqm smaller than the GFA of the town’s current Mitre 10. A 228sqm cafe, accessed through the retail hall, is also included in the application. As well as providing for space for 20 bicycle parks, the application includes plans for two electric vehicle charging stations and six accessible spots in the 233 allocated spaces for vehicles. The existing Mitre 10 site, at Anderson Heights, will be re-developed.
Aspiring Medical Centre is helping to safeguard against the flu this winter by offering free or inexpensive immunisations. The 2019 national influenza immunisation programme kicked off April 1 and focuses on people aged 65 and older by offering them a free flu shot; Health Minister David Clark said this age group often feels they are not in need of one. “We can protect ourselves and our families by getting immunised to reduce the spread of influenza to the most vulnerable people in the community,” said Clark. “While many people experience moderate illness from the flu, around 400 New Zealanders die each year from the disease, and many more need
hospital treatment.” Clark announced that people can get this season’s flu vaccine for free if they are considered high risk: aged 65 and older, suffering from chronic or serious health conditions or pregnant. Children aged four and under with a history of significant respiratory illness are also eligible. Aspiring Medical Centre is offering the vaccine for free to those who qualify; for everyone else, the shot is $25. The medical centre team said appointments are necessary. The flu season typically peaks in late winter; this year’s funded vaccine will protect against four strains of influenza, including updated strains of influenza A(H3N2) and influenza B. Pictured: Aspiring Medical Centre is one practice currently offering free or inexpensive flu shots to protect against influenza this winter.
Hidden talent exposed ALLISON MCLEAN
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz
In an effort to unearth a range of talents that could benefit the district, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has identified more than 80 people who live in the area, but who earn their income elsewhere. Council commissioned an independently conducted research project, called the Remote Economy Project (the project), starting last month to look into this area of the local population via an online survey. The short survey is still live for another nine days; however, responses gathered thus far have come from those involved in industries such as information and communications
technology, professional services and people running businesses based elsewhere. QLDC economic development manager Peter Harris said many of those surveyed also indicated an interest in getting more involved locally. “This suggests that there may be opportunities to help shape and nurture diverse economic opportunities,” said Harris. He said Council is trying to get a comprehensive picture of this part of the community following on from QLDC’s 2018 Quality of Life Survey. To learn more or to complete the project survey, visit www. remoteeconomy.com by next Friday. QLDC will publish recommendations on its website in early July.
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Council considers new marine rescue centre lease
PHOTO: Supplied
ALLISON MCLEAN
journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz PHOTO: NZTA
Waiho River Bailey Bridge open STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
South Westland’s Waiho River Bailey Bridge reopened to traffic around midday on Saturday, April 13, said the NZ Transport Agency. The nearly 30-year-old Bailey Bridge was destroyed in the March 26 flood which caused widespread infrastructure damage and a fatality in Westland. But a team approach from multiple contractors, the NZ Defence Force’s Army Engineers, designers and the supportive local community in South Westland got the new bridge in place as quickly as it was possible to do despite more heavy rain and rising river levels. “People have been working extremely hard to
PAGE 8
get the bridge back over the river and reconnect the communities in South Westland,” said Moira Whinham, Maintenance Contract Manager, West Coast, for the Transport Agency. “The Transport Agency is proud of the work done and the positive attitude everyone has brought to this urgent highway project. Thanks to everyone especially the South Westland community.” While the bridge has re-opened to traffic there is still more work to do so drivers should be prepared for a slightly slower journey for the next few weeks. Contractors will be sealing the approaches, reinstating guardrail, the pedestrian walkway and other work which will involve closures of up to an hour. Pictured: NZTA timelapse video still of the Waiho River Bailey Bridge construction.
Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) will vote today (Thursday) on whether or not to grant a lease for new marine rescue centre on a portion of Eely Point Reserve. If QLDC elects to approve the new 33-year lease to Coastguard Wanaka Lakes (CWL), the volunteer group will have the go ahead to construct and operate a new marine rescue centre location, which would also include boat storage and space for the QLDC Harbourmaster. Today’s deliberation comes after public notification of the intention to grant the lease, which induced much local interest during last December’s submission period. Four submitters opposed the proposed rescue centre location during QLDC’s hearing of submissions in late February, yet the general theme of
THURSDAY 18.04.19 - WEDNESDAY 24.04.19
submissions was in favour of the CWL and their commitment to community public service. CWL wants to locate the new operational base in the left corner of Eely Point Reserve and use it to provide quick access for member parking, boat retrieval and rescue vessel deployment into Lake Wanaka during emergencies. CWL president Jonathan Walmisley said the new location of the centre would allow his crew to cut their incident response time in half, thereby increasing a person's chance of survivability, due to the proximity of the rescue boat storage to the water. The coastguard currently stores its rescue vessel at the Wanaka A&P Showgrounds, and rescue vessel deployment times can take more than an hour during busy summer months. Pictured: Location of the proposed marine rescue centre on a portion of Eely Point Reserve.
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ORC sets Freshwater Management Units STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
ORC councillors have voted to adopt five Freshwater Management Units (FMUs) for the Otago region, including the Mata Au, Taieri, North Otago, Dunedin Coastal and Catlins units, as well as five rohe or sub-units. All regional councils are required to set Freshwater Management Units (FMUs) under the government’s National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management. An FMU is a water body or multiple water bodies that ORC deems as the appropriate scale for setting freshwater objectives and limits. This can be a river catchment, part of a catchment, or a group of catchments. The Otago FMU boundaries have been created using a holistic environmental management approach, which involved overlaying cultural, landuse, geological and scientific maps and other relevant information to identify areas with commonalities. The larger FMUs are subdivided into smaller rohe. ORC Chief Executive Sarah Gardner said, “We have worked closely with Aukaha, our iwi partner, to develop FMU boundaries. The concept of ki uta ki tai (from the mountains to the sea), which recognises the movement of water through the landscape and the numerous interactions it may have on its journey, has been a key influence in the forming of FMU boundaries.” Within the Clutha/ Mata Au FMU there are five rohes—Upper Lakes, Lower Clutha, Roxburgh, Dunstan and Manuherikia. The next focus for each FMU and rohe community will be to meet and agree on local values that sit alongside national values for human and ecological health—these will inform setting objectives and water quality and quantity limits. ORC will facilitate this process in each FMU and rohe and said there will be a tailored approach to water management in each FMU and rohe, instead of the current onesize-fits-all approach for water management across the region. There will be a staged approach to FMU and rohe value and objective setting, which will essentially begin the path towards undertaking a full water plan review. Each rohe or FMU will be a ‘chapter’ of the new water plan. This process will take several years so communities may not begin these values conversations straight away. Gardner noted that the Cardrona and Arrow
PHOTO: Queenstown Lakes District Council
District’s libraries replenish Fijian bookshelves STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
PHOTO: Otago Regional Council
communities will be the first to begin the journey towards developing the new framework for managing waterways in their area. “This is because the Arrow and Cardrona River catchment communities have already begun the process of identifying values and objectives as part of their collaborative work with ORC to set minimum flows for these rivers,” she said. The Arrow and Cardrona River catchments form a large part of the Dunstan Rohe. The Manuherekia Rohe will be next to set values and objectives for a similar reason. “It is important that as many people as possible from different backgrounds are involved in the discussion and formation of values and objectives to ensure that the decisions made with each FMU and rohe reflect the whole of the community needs,” said Gardner. “ORC will get in touch with each community to let them know when this process will be starting in their area, and how they can be involved. It is important to remember that water is something that everyone relies on and the issues we face are not isolated to particular sectors or parts of our community. We hope that people from all parts of our community choose to take part in this conversation.” Pictured: There are five Freshwater Management Units for the Otago Region: Mata Au, Taieri, North Otago, Dunedin Coastal and Catlins.
Queenstown Lakes District Libraries has donated boxes of books to Fijian libraries through the Pacific Libraries Project. Local librarians packed up nine large cartons of books collected from the district’s eight libraries as well as some donated by council staff. Most items will restock the shelves at Labasa Public Library on Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second largest island, with some heading to the nation’s capital, Suva, where a small mobile library is losing customers as its stock of books is so bad. Council librarian Sue Gwilliam said the emphasis was on quality as well as quantity. “The Pacific Libraries Project is quite clear about the type of books that the islands’ communities need the most. They all have to be in good condition, less than five years old and reflect the fact that English is a second language for most Fijians,” she said. Children’s titles are in particular need, as are non-fiction books on topics like crafts, cooking, nursing and
biographies. Jill Best of the New Zealand-based charitable initiative, Pacific Libraries Project, said she has been delighted by the response. “A big thank you to Queenstown Lakes District Libraries and council staff. It makes so much difference in the islands. Labasa will get a real boost this time which they need so much. I’ll try to go up and help the sole librarian throw out and replace her ancient stock,” said Best. The charity’s next project will be children’s non-fiction for Tuvalu later this year. Gwilliam said she is considering opening out the collection to the wider community. “Our libraries have sent books off to Vanuatu and Samoa for the Pacific Libraries Project in previous years but why not take it out to the public next time? I’m sure people will find it a rewarding experience donating pre-loved books knowing that they’ll give others pleasure in recreation and education.” Pictured: Queenstown Lakes District librarians Deirdre Wither, Julie Stretch and Eve Marshall-Lea pack up the books destined for libraries in Fiji.
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Crimeline Henderson D Ian Senior Constable , NZPD Unless you have a winter holiday booked, the long warm days have almost come to an end. Time to do a pre-winter check of your vehicles, put an ice scraper in the glovebox and check the tread depth on those tyres. The last week has been an interesting one with a number of incidents attended by local Police; on Tuesday, April 9, a deer wandering on SH6 near Luggate was involved in a collision with a Ford Ranger 4wd; and a red Merida mountain bike was stolen from the Mount Aspiring College bike stands. If you find the
bike discarded somewhere around town please notify the local Police on 443 7272. On Wednesday, April 10, a driver heading to Wanaka in the rain lost control on the wet road and his vehicle rolled. The driver was taken to the Wanaka Medical Centre to get patched up. On Thursday, April 11, a cow wandered out onto SH6 near Morris Road causing a line of cars to come to a halt to avoid hitting it. Unfortunately the driver of a large truck approaching the area was slow to reduce his speed and pulled off the road to avoid a collision resulting in the truck and its 10-tonne load rolling onto its side.
On Friday April 12, a local man was suspended from driving by Police due to excess demerit points resulting in the notice being torn up and handed back to Police. On the same day a driver who was observed not wearing a seatbelt was spoken to by Police and also issued with a demerit suspension notice. In another incident, a Police Safety Order was issued where a couple were needing some time apart to think about where their relationship was going. On Sunday, April 14, a Wellington couple got into an argument while traversing the local bars and Police helped them back over to Queenstown to where they were
staying. Also on Sunday, Police attended an altercation at the Lake Hawea Hotel between two males. The two combatants have been spoken to and charges are likely. A parked vehicle was damaged in Dunmore Street by a motorist doing a u-turn and thanks to help from the public the culprit was identified and is making good the damage. Another drink-driver was picked up over the weekend, an improvement on the six the previous weekend, the numbers are not good— better to catch a taxi, walk home or arrange a mate to pick you up or sober drive that night. Whai i te wiki haumaru. (Have a safe week)
Local creative off to Krakow Ollie Blyth
Junior Reporter
Liz Breslin, local Hawea Flat writer, poet and playwright, has been accepted for a two-month writer in residence programme at the Kraków UNESCO City of Literature Residency Programme in Kraków, Poland. Breslin will be travelling there in September and will be meeting with other international writers, sharing her own work, and working on some spoken-word essays she has already started here in Wanaka. The programme is open to applicants under 45 with links to one of 28 international cities of literature. UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) is an international organisation committed to creating cultural links between creatives across the world. The City of Literature Residency Programme welcomes a group of writers each year to develop and share their work on an international stage. Breslin is a prolific creator of very polished work, including last year’s pantomime Jac and the Beansprouts. She currently has a fortnightly column in the Otago Daily Times, ‘Thinking Allowed,’ and is also the schools coordinator for the Festival of Colour. Her poetry collection, Alzheimers and a spoon was listed on the NZ Listener’s ‘Top 100 Books of 2017’. She had applied for the programme twice prior to being accepted, but was not accepted until this year. “I’ve spent a long, long time applying for lots
Mum, have you tried the luxurious comfort of a pure silk eye mask? Mum, have you tried the luxurious comfort of a pure silk eye mask?
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of things like this and I think it has helped me be a stronger, clearer writer over the years even to apply, because each time I apply I have to act as if I think I might get it and come up with the best ideas and the best of myself,” she said. Breslin is very thankful for the opportunity she’s been given and the congratulations the community has offered her, “Yes. I’m feeling very grateful. And also I’m feeling very supported by all the congratulations I’m getting,” she said. “I’m going to do my best to live up to this opportunity.” Pictured: Hawea’s Liz Breslin.
Winterfest tickets on sale now STAFF REPORTER
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
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The 45th Real Journeys Queenstown Winter Festival programme has been revealed and is a birthday bash packed with everything the festival has become legendary for—buzzing downtown streets, fireworks, live music and comedy, and madcap 809 601 - FEB19 antics in the snow and icy water of Lake Wakatipu. “The Real Journeys Queenstown Winter Festival is all about celebrating the start of winter in New Zealand’s premiere winter destination,” says Festival Director Rae Baker. “The fourday festival celebrates and showcases our unique and beautiful wintery region as only Queenstown and the people who live and visit here could.” Festival nights are a feast of choices, from comedy, to live music and the
THURSDAY 18.04.19 - WEDNESDAY 24.04.19
annual glamfest, the Skycity Ball. The Festival mainstage has always hosted the best of New Zealand’s musical talent and 2019 sees four packed days and nights of local acts and national headliners, most of which are free gigs. The 2018 Real Journeys Queenstown Winter Festival saw more than 45,000 unique visitors come to Queenstown, injecting an estimated $4.4million into the Queenstown economy during their stay. “Backed by a hefty family of local and national sponsors and firing on all cylinders after two years of format and creative changes, from mountain top to lake shore, the 2019 Real Journeys Queenstown Winter Festival 45th anniversary bash will be one to remember,” said Ms Baker. The festival runs 20-23 June. Information and tickets at www. winterfestival.co.nz.
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Hall lands supreme sports honour 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. Hall also claimed the silver medal in journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz slalom at last year’s World Para Alpine Local Paralympic gold medallist Skiing Europa Cup in Switzerland and Adam Hall reigned supreme during bronze in the super combined event an awards ceremony in Cromwell in PyeongChang. Last week’s awards last Friday to recognise ceremony also awarded outstanding achievements Wanaka cyclist Mikayla Harvey in the 2018 sporting year. with the Senior Sportswoman The Wanaka-based alpine title after her 2018 biking skier received the Supreme season saw her finish first in Sports Award and Bruce Grant the 20-25 years old age group Memorial Trophy at the House in Denmark’s World Aquabike of Travel Central Otago Sports Championship. Awards; later in the night, In the junior awards, Wanaka Hall also nabbed the Senior PHOTO: adamhall.co.nz freeskier Nico Porteous won Sportsman of the Year title. The awards were based off of Hall’s the Junior Sportsman title and Wanaka standout 2018 year in which he won snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott took gold in the slalom at the PyeongChang home the Junior Sportswoman title. Pictured: Wanaka-based alpine skier 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, which fell nearly eight years to the day he won and double Paralympic gold medalist his first gold medal in the Vancouver Adam Hall.
ALLISON MCLEAN
PHOTO: Supplied
Epic race was truly “epic” Sports reporter
sports@thewanakasun.co.nz
By all accounts, Epic 2019 was a phenomenal success and lived up to its name. “Brilliant weather, brilliant volunteers and brilliant riders,” according to race director Danielle Nicholson. The 2019 Contact Epic had every element of an epic event. Six hundred riders set off early in the morning on an adventure that tested many but enthralled all. Epic offers the Classic (95km), the Epic (125km) and The Centurion (160km), the latter taking riders up into the depths of the Hunter Valley where no rider has been before. “That was a true mountain bike race and one of the best in the world,” commented the winner, Jonny van Leeuwen. The unique sense of camaraderie the event produces was evident again this year. Two riders gave away extra clothing to a competitor who fell in the river and was sufficiently drenched to risk completion. Later in the day one Epic rider, with grit under his contacts was surrounded by Centurions who guided him home on the last 20km to ensure he could remain in the Last Man Standing kitty. “The number of stories we hear of selfless assistance provided by the riders and volunteers are numerous,” said Nicholson. “I believe that is why we have such a high rate of success despite the difficulty of the course.” The Epic race proved to be the most exciting on the
finish line. After 125km of racing, only one second separated Ben Oliver from Christchurch (who was placed first with a time of 4h43m) and Tim Rush of Oamaru. Local legend, Dougal Allan, followed them in to take third place. The women’s winner, Kate Fluker from Queenstown, was 11 minutes ahead of local Simone Maier with a time of 5h32m. Kath Kelly completed her 12th Contact Epic and placed third. For first-timer, Tom Hilton, the highlight was the scenery. “It was jaw-dropping when I thought to look up and admire the view,” he said. “The volunteers and land owners were super supportive, waving and cheering as you passed. The course was more varied than I imagined—standard fire trails, single track, many (up to thigh-deep) river crossings, riding through mud, ruts and cut grass. I should have done more training with bigger rides and more hills but I was happy overall and yes, I’m already looking forward to next time.” A number of riders tested out the ebikes with few issues found. “We intend to open up the classic and traverse to e-bikes in 2020, but just need to decide now we manage this,” Nicholson said. Contact Energy and LMS Events are together donating $19,000 to the Contact Epic Fund for Hawea community groups and individuals to apply. “We believe in giving back and this is one way we can do that,” Nicholson said. “This is alongside the $6000 we donate annually to the volunteer groups.” Pictured: Steve Halligan competing in the 160km Centurion.
Bullock Creek Hatchery Springs Walkway The Bullock Creek Hatchery Springs Walkway is now open. The track follows the Bullock Creek Stream linking Stone St to the Alpha Series subdivision. It is fed by a number of springs off the slope above the walkway. In time, it will be and urban sanctuary providing habitat for fish, birds and other native species. The walkway is established under the Walking Access Act 2008. Gazette notice 2019-ln1509.
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N o t i c e b o a rd | P a p a P ā n u i Extended Consultation on Speed Limit Bylaw 2019 | Kā Ture Pae Tere 2019 Queenstown Lakes District Council has extended consultation on the draft Speed Limits Bylaw 2019 and proposed speed limit changes throughout the district. Council is seeking your views on a proposed new Speed Limits Bylaw 2019 and proposed new speeds for some roads across the district following legislative change and a review of speed limits across Council’s road network. The proposed changes to the bylaw also removes road-specific information from the bylaw to be maintained in a separate referenced schedule. This allows Council to be more responsive should speed limits need to be amended whilst ensuring the community continues to be consulted on proposed changes. Any person or organisation has a right to comment on the proposed Bylaw and the Council encourages everyone with an interest in the Speed Limits Bylaw 2019 in the Queenstown Lakes District to do so. Get informed:
Resource Consent Hearing (G&J George RM181538) – Edgewater, Sargood Drive, Wānaka. Thursday 30 May 2019 at 10.00am. Queenstown Lakes District Council – Armstrong Room, Lake Wānaka Centre, 89 Ardmore Street, Wānaka. Thursday 30 May 2019 at 1.00pm. 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
Amendment to April Meeting Schedule
Details of the draft Bylaw and recommended speed reductions are available at the following places:
Meetings Postponed:
•
Online www.qldc.govt.nz/lets-talk
•
At Council offices and libraries across the district
Hearing of Submissions on the Draft Speed Limits Bylaw 2019 – previously advertised as taking place on Friday 26 April 2019 has been postponed to a future date to be advised.
•
By attending one of the scheduled drop-in sessions:
Hearing of Submissions on the Draft Speed Limits Bylaw 2019 – previously advertised as taking place on Monday 29 April 2019 has been postponed to a future date to be advised.
Date
Time
Venue
Monday 29 April 2019
6.00pm - 7.30pm
Lake Wānaka Centre
Tuesday 30 April 2019
6.00pm - 7.30pm
Queenstown Memorial Centre
Notice of Intent to review the Glenorchy Airstrip Reserve Management Plan 2016 PURSUANT TO SECTION 41 (5) RESERVES ACT 1977, The Council hereby gives public notice of its intention to review the Glenorchy Reserve Management Plan 2016. The Reserve Management Plan directs management and development of the reserve area including the Airstrip, and the level of use and infrastructure.
How to make a submission: We value your input on the draft Speed Limit Bylaw 2019 and the proposed speed reductions. Here’s how to share your views: •
Head to our Let’s Talk page www.qldc.govt.nz/lets-talk to make a submission from 11 March 2019. Please note, you will need to register before being able to give feedback.
•
Email your feedback to letstalk@qldc.govt.nz.
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Post to Queenstown Lakes District Council, Private Bag 50072, Queenstown 9348.
Our consultation period for submissions will close at 5.00pm on Friday 13 May 2019. Late submissions or oral submissions (without prior written material) will only be accepted where exceptional circumstances apply. All submissions will be treated as public information and will be published unless confidentiality is requested. Hearing of submissions will be held in Wānaka on 5 June and in Queenstown on 6 June 2019.
During this notice phase, you are invited to send to Queenstown Lakes District Council suggestions for the review of the Reserve Management Plan by no later than Friday 14 June 2019. These suggestions will inform a revised draft Reserve Management Plan that will be publically notified inviting submissions, that will then be heard as a public hearing. The Reserve Management Plan is available for inspection at Queenstown Lakes District Council offices at Gorge Road, Queenstown. The Plan and the detailed reasons for the review can be found online at www.qldc.govt.nz. You can give suggestions or comments by email to glenorchyairstrip@qldc.govt.nz, with “Glenorchy Airstrip” in the subject line; or post to Queenstown Lakes District Council, Private Bag 50072, Queenstown 9348, marked for the attention of the Parks and Reserves Planning Manager, Community Services.
Notice of Intention to Grant Easement over Recreation Reserve PROPRIETORS OF 434 DOMAIN ROAD PURSUANT TO SECTION 48 OF THE RESERVES ACT 1977
Meeting Schedule - May 2019
The land described in Schedule A of this Notice (the Land) is vested in the Queenstown Lakes District Council pursuant to the Reserves Act 1977 as recreation reserve. The proprietors of 434 Domain Road, Hāwea are seeking a Right of Way Easement over the reserve for driveway access and underground services. The Council is considering granting the appropriate easement pursuant to Section 48 of the Reserves Act 1977.
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 May 2019.
Pursuant to Section 48 of the Reserves Act 1977 the Council has an obligation to publicly notify its intention to grant such an easement by way of this Notice.
Planning & Strategy Committee - Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown. Thursday 2 May 2019 at 10.00am.
Any person or organisation may object to or make submissions with respect to the proposed easement. More information can be obtained from the Council’s agent, APL Property, PO Box 1586, Queenstown, phone 03 442 7133 or email queenstown@aplproperty.co.nz.
This notice is in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002.
Appeals Subcommittee – Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown. Thursday 2 May 2019 at 11.00am or at the conclusion of the Planning & Strategy 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. Infrastructure Committee – Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown. Thursday 9 May 2019 at 10.00am. Resource Consent Hearing (S&S Blackley, B&K Blackley & Trustee Bft Ltd RM181560) – Crowne Plaza, Beach Street, Queenstown. Tuesday 14 May 2019 at 8.30am. Resource Consent Hearing (Northlake Investments Ltd RM181903) – Edgewater, Sargood Drive, Wānaka. Tuesday 14 May, Wednesday 15 May and Thursday 16 May 2019 at 10.00am.
Submissions will be required no later than 17 May 2019 and should be sent to APL Property as above. Schedule A: The reserve is legally described as Section 32 Blk IV Lower Hāwea SD. THIS NOTICE is given on behalf of Queenstown Lakes District Council by APL Property, PO Box 1586, Queenstown, 03 442 7133.
Further Notice of Poll on a Proposed Visitor Levy within the Queenstown Lakes District A poll of Queenstown Lakes District Council electors to decide on the above proposal will be held on the following basis:
Traffic & Parking Subcommittee – Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown. Wednesday 15 May 2019 at 2.00pm.
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The poll will be conducted by postal vote using the First Past the Post electoral system;
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Voting will open at 8.00am on Tuesday 14 May 2019;
Wānaka Community Board – Armstrong Room, Lake Wānaka Centre, 89 Ardmore Street, Wānaka. Thursday 16 May 2019 at 10.00am.
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Voting will close on polling day at 12 noon on Wednesday 5 June 2019 and
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Returned voting papers will be processed throughout the voting period.
Resource Consent Hearing (D E Bunn & Co RM181927) – Crowne Plaza, Beach Street, Queenstown. Friday 17 May 2019 at 10.00am. The Hearing of Submissions to 2019/20 Annual Plan – Armstrong Room, Lake Wānaka Centre, 89 Ardmore Street, Wānaka. Monday 20 May 2019 at 9.00am. The Hearing of Submissions to 2019/20 Annual Plan – Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown. Tuesday 21 May 2019 at 9.00am. Resource Consent Hearing (J Baker RM181540) – Rees Room, QT Hotel, 30 Brunswick Street, Queenstown. Tuesday 21 May 2019 at 10.00am. Community & Services Committee – Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown. Thursday 23 May 2019 at 10.00am. Appeals Subcommittee – Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown. Thursday 23 May 2019 at 1.00pm 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. Resource Consent Hearing (H Broomfield & Canterbury Trustees (2006) Limited RM181240) – Crowne Plaza, Beach Street, Queenstown. Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 May 2019 at 10.00am.
The poll result will be non-binding. The Council will present the poll result to Central Government to inform a decision on legislative change to enable the introduction of a visitor levy on short-term accommodation to fund visitor-related infrastructure and services within the Queenstown Lakes District. Enrolment and Special Voting Arrangements: Queenstown Lakes District Council residents who are not listed on the final electoral roll for this poll can enrol by calling 0800 ENROL NOW (0800 36 76 56), visiting the Elections website (www.elections.org.nz) or obtaining enrolment forms at Post Centres or Queenstown Lakes District Council offices up to 5.00pm, Tuesday 4 June 2019. Queenstown Lakes District Council ratepayers who live outside the Council area and who are not listed on the final electoral roll for this poll can enrol by completing and returning ratepayer enrolment forms available from Queenstown Lakes District Council offices or www.qldc.govt.nz up to 5.00pm on Tuesday 4 June 2019. Special voting facilities will be available during normal office hours at the Queenstown Lakes District Council office, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown and the Wānaka Service Centre, 47 Ardmore Street, Wānaka between Tuesday 14 May and 12 noon Wednesday 5 June 2019. Jane Robertson Electoral Officer – Queenstown Lakes District Council Private Bag 50072, Queenstown 9348 jane.robertson@qldc.govt.nz 03 441 0499
Private Bag 50072 | 47 Ardmore Street Wānaka Phone 03 443 0024 | www.qldc.govt.nz
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THURSDAY 18.04.19 - WEDNESDAY 24.04.19
THE WANAKA SUN
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COMMUNITY NETWORKS WANAKA Help and advice
EDITORIAL
Going the extra mile…to Dunstan and Dunedin hospitals Batty M Margaret Community Networks Wanaka Wheels to Dunstan is a charitable health service coordinated by Community Networks Wanaka (CNW). Clients are picked up at home by the Wheels to Dunstan vehicle and driven to Cromwell to connect with the 7.30am St John’s minibus that takes them to Dunedin Hospital. After their outpatient appointments the service is reversed leaving Dunedin at 3pm, getting clients back to Wanaka around 7pm. Clients are also ferried between Wanaka and Dunstan Hospital in Clyde for daytime out-patient appointments. Wheels to Dunstan is a vital lifeline for many people in Wanaka, without it they would have to rely on the goodwill of friends or family, pay for a private service and/or possibly stay overnight in Dunedin. Nevertheless, clients face a tiring 12-hour day with the daunting 540km round trip. Ben Suncin explained, “I use Wheels to Dunstan once every two months. On those days I get up at 5am to be ready for the driver at 6.20am. You never know how the road will be, there might be snow or roadworks. Wheels to Dunstan has made a great difference to me and to my quality of life.” The Wheels to Dunstan car has 54 volunteer drivers on the roster who share the daily 110km return drive from Wanaka to Cromwell five days a week, rain or shine, clocking up 138,000km between them over the last three years. On average there are around 23-33 trips per month serving 30 clients. Tom Greenwood is on the Wheels to Dunstan Charitable Trust Board and in charge of the drivers’ roster. He said simply, “The service tends to run trouble-free which is just amazing! People love volunteering as drivers, they just want to keep on doing it.” CNW acts as the nerve centre for Wheels to Dunstan, taking advance requests from clients and liaising with the drivers.
The Wheels to Dunstan car is impeccably maintained, spotlessly clean and very comfortable, thanks to a team of weekend volunteers who work behind the scenes to wash the car, top up the diesel, check the tyres and generally make sure that it is safe and ready to roll every Monday morning. Clients tend to offer a donation to help maintain the service—this can range from $5 to $20 and is a critical part of the budget. Wanaka Rotary and the Masonic Lodge finance most of the major running costs, for example buying the new Mazda car in 2015. All fuel is generously donated by Upper Clutha Transport, which Tom said “is absolutely tremendous”. This is definitely not a taxi service, nor for shopping trips make no mistake! The service does however have one crucial need—a garage or carport in the centre of town to park the car inside over the winter months. If anyone has an empty garage please get in touch with CNW on 03 443 7799. Pictured: The CNW Wheels to Dunstan team.
editor@thewanakasun.co.nz
office—one of the first newspapers in the country to do this two years ago and enabled her to continue on in the editor’s role whilst still being an active mother to her two rambunctious little boys. Running a paper in a small town in a digital age is challenging and it is full credit to Ruth that the Wanaka Sun has thrived. Her minimal management style will be missed but we hope to carry her legacy on and remember to never use adjectives when nouns will suffice. Thankfully Ruth is not lost to us! She is taking on a new role in the community and we wish her all the best for the change.
It’s the end of an era here at the Wanaka Sun. Ruth Blunt, our fearless and tireless editor is leaving after nine years of service to the paper. Ruth’s lilting Irish accent will be missed, as will her unfrayed nerves and calm demeanour which rides smoothly towards impending deadlines like a well oiled thunderbolt. Ruth has weathered a few storms and the Wanaka Sun owner, Aaron Heath, commends her for being “a steadying influence on me and kept the paper/me out of trouble over the years.” Ruth assisted in leading the paper to a cloud/remote based
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THE WANAKA SUN
Emma Conyngham
PHOTO: Margaret Batty
Kahu Youth
Wow! It’s the April holidays already—where is the year going? School holidays are an important time for young people to recharge and relax, and are a great time for us to hang with our amazing local youth. We often hear from the young people the familiar cry of “I’m bored” and “there’s nothing to do.” You may wonder how this could be, given everything on our doorstep, but perception is often just as important as anything else. To combat this, and to make sure we could provide the best holiday programme we could possibly create, we ran a huge survey of all the young people in the region aged over 11. With over 400 replies it certainly gave us some information to work with! So with that in mind, we can confidently say that there is no excuse whatsoever for being bored this Autumn holiday. We’ve paired up with loads of the wonderful activity providers to offer the chance to climb Wildwire; have a go at the awesome new virtual reality place, Realm; ride horses up in Cardrona Valley with Back Country Saddles; plus travelling further afield with the opportunity to go paintballing in Cromwell; and take on the Queenstown youth service, as well as going over the hill to Site Trampoline. Of course we’ll have The Crib open from 125:30pm during the week and 3-10pm at the weekends for baking, just chilling out, cooking, pool, table tennis, basketball and everything else we’ve got to offer. If that wasn’t enough, we’re also running a youth
Changing of the guard at the Wanaka Sun
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chill-out space at the first-ever Wheels at Wanaka over by the Recreation Centre on Saturday April 20 and Sunday 21. We’ve even teamed up with the crew at Wheels at Wanaka to offer youth tickets at less than half price! The catch? You need to come and say hello at our Youth Club at 11 Russell Street. Come and say hello—we’d love to meet you. So this April holiday, there really is no excuse for being bored. Get in touch and join in the fun! You can book online at www.kahuyouth.org, email us on kahu. youth@xtra.co.nz or give us a call on 03 443 5880. Pictured: Wanaka Youth at virtual reality world, Realm.
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28 Reece Crescent, Wanaka Ph 03 443 8176 Offers end 29 April 2019. Not available in conjunction with any other offer or discount. *Applies to vivid white bases only. Tinting charges may apply. ^Excludes indent, nett priced and other selected wallpapers. Dulux, Wash&Wear, 1Step, Weathershield and X10 are registered trade marks of DuluxGroup (Australia) Pty Ltd.
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NOTICES
STORAGE
WANTED
Clean, dry, safe storage available now. Ezystor Self Storage, 12 Gordon Road, Wanaka, Ph: 021 242 1630.
A MARINA at Wanaka Marina or a MOORING close to the Marina, either for purchase or long term rental please call or text Andrew 021-955885 or email jan@viranda.co.nz.
CARPET & UPHOLSTERY GW Logo Paths.indd 1
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Wanaka Salvation Army Family Store. Opening Hours – Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, Saturday 9.30am – 4pm. We look forward to seeing you here! Donations kindly received. Please drop them into the Salvation Army Family store or ph 443 5068 to book a pick up. Cut rags (100% cotton) and drop cloths, only $7 for a big bag. Now in the yard container at Wastebusters. Open 9-5 seven days. Business Networking International. The Wanaka chapter of BNI meets weekly at 7am Tuesday morning. Great networking opportunity to grow your business. Contact Vicki Donoghue for information 027 208 9462. Rags, rags, rags ... little ones, big ones, cotton ones and drop cloths, available from the Wanaka Salvation Army Family Store 443 5068.
WANTED 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.
Wanaka Bridge Club Results Monday Mt Iron Stakes 3: North/ South 1st Jan Anderson Marc Simmonds 60.16% 2nd Murray Pryde Neil Robinson 57.83% 3rd Trish Foote Alan Foote 54.12%East/ West 1st Dorothy McDonald Tommie Munns 59.89% 2nd Alan Cushnie Iris Cushnie 57.14% 3rd Terry Wilson Dawn Wilson 56.18% Final Ladder 1st Jenny Pryde Ann-Louise Stokes 59.54% 2nd Ken Saxby Lynne Fegan 57.23% 3rd Jan Anderson Marc Simmonds 56.91% Wednesday Hawea Pairs 2: North/ South 1st Tommie Munns Kate Summers 59.03% 2nd Barbara Waterworth Rosemary Boswell 58.10% 3rd Jen Milburn John Milburn 56.25% East/ West 1st Jeanette Gillies Carol Orbell 58.80% 2nd Alwyne Haworth Maureen Hawke 57.41% 3rd Pam Miller Deb Budden 54.86% Friday Handicap: North/ South: 1st Joan Moon Ross Moon 60.31% 2nd Dorothy McDonald Nan Ottrey 57.58% 3rd Alan Chisholm Morag Chisholm 55.45%East/ West 1st Jill Paxman Mary Maclean 55.73% 2nd Lynne Fegan Maggie Stratford 55.65% 3rd Errol Kelly Vivienne Christie 54.09% Wanaka Progressive Bowls Skips 1st I Fletcher 2nd B Russell 3rd T Tovey Thirds 1st T Tattersfield 2nd J Feehly 3rd A Bryan Leads 1st N Matheson 2nd J Rich 3rd J Hogan. PAGE 14
SUN TEAM WANAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER ISSUE 918
Free delivery to Wanaka, Cromwell and surrounds, PO boxes in Makarora, Cromwell, Haast, Wanaka, Albert Town and Hawea. Also distributed to businesses in the Wanaka business district Average circulation: 15,000 weekly. Phone: 03 443 5252 • Fax: 03 443 5250 Editor: Emma Conyngham • editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Journalist: Allison McLean • journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Ollie Blyth • journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz Advertising: 021 956 740 adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz Admin: Benn Ashford • 021 956 740 admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Mail: PO Box 697, Wanaka Deadlines: Display Advertising Classified Advertising Subscriptions:
4pm Friday prior to publication. adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz 021 786 740 5pm Monday prior Text: 0220 786 778 admin@thewanakasun.co.nz $175 within NZ (including GST) per year. Overseas rates on request. Remittances to PO Box 697, Wanaka, NZ.
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OBITUARY
RUSSELL: Alexander (Alex)
Pat, Jasyn & Diana, Sharalee & Evan, Hayden & Aimee and families would sincerely like to thank everyone for the many cards and beautiful flowers. To Food for Love for the wonderful meals and baking. To Dr Jo Millis for her excellent care of Alex and to Mr Perry, Christchurch, for his wonderful care and help in the earlier stages of his diagnosis which was greatly appreciated by us both. Thankyou to our friends and neighbours for their visits, baking and compassion. To the many people who attended the service, many from a far, thankyou. Now to Alex's workmates and the tradies how do we thank you for all you didi for Alex, there weren't many days when there wasn't someone visiting once it was known he was terminal. This helped to keep him going, I am sure. He was so happy to see you all. Alex was humbled and proud of all the letters, texts and e-mails, into the hundreds that kept coming everyday, including the book of tributes. The guard of honour, what a great compliment that was to him. Last but not the least to Alex's and my families for helping us all get through Alex's illness and passing. Alex was a much loved husband, father, father in law, granddad, brother and brother in law and is sadly missed.
Wanted by the Salvation Army Family Store, if any one has any spare pillow cases we would love them, please just drop them into the store, thanks. The Salvation Army Family Store is desperately needing good quality mens clothing and shoes. If you could please just drop these into the store or phone for a pick up for large amounts. Volunteers welcomed at The Salvation Army Family store if you have some free time and would like to be part of a team which makes a difference, come and see us.
THANKS Thanks to everyone who comes to Wastebusters to donate goods, shop and recycle. Your support helps us work for zero waste and a resourceful community.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Wanaka’s urban green belt The definition of a green belt is ‘an area of open country surrounding a town’. Wanaka has a green belt and it has been recognised in Wanaka for over 80 years. It is a policy adopted by our community and a designation used in land use planning to retain areas of largely undeveloped land surrounding neighbouring urban areas. Never should it be considered as an under-utilised reserve, it’s a green belt: an area of land around a certain area of urban land preventing development of that specific area and allowing a space that reduces pollution, plus enhances the community’s health. We all want sustainability and protection of ecology. We are fortunate that our green belt has evolved and developed over time. It has been greatly respected and appreciated by previous generations and will be even more so by future generations as Wanaka develops
with its managed growth. For some strange and unexplainable reason it is not written into the present district plan. I sincerely hope it will be written into the present new plan. However I assure you the locals know of or certainly should know it exists, plus its significance to the district. The green belt of Wanaka starts on the west side of urban Wanaka with Wanaka Station Park: this space is also referred to as the gardens of Wanaka. The next area is the Wanaka showgrounds and rugby/cricket area. This follows with Faulks Terrace Reserve which was donated to the town in the early 1900s. Next in the belt is the Wanaka Golf Course which has a status as a Recreation Reserve since 1927. Then we have Lismore Park: a nice open green space which does not have any buildings and was never intended to have any. Please respect it for what it is. Followed on by Eely Point Reserve which is a popular community picnic area on the east side of the town.
The green belt is then enclosed with the lakefront area. This is an area that has been enjoyed and used successfully by the community and visitors as a natural environment plus access to the lake. The green belt must be protected and preserved for what it is by the Wanaka Community Board, our councillors and the council staff who represent us and work for the rate payers of this ward. To lose any of it would be a serious grievance. The green belt is an important aspect of keeping Wanaka as a green town. If the council so wish, when they plan to manage the future growth in Wanaka, perhaps they may choose to also have an outer green belt to complement the existing urban green belt. I would also recommend that a green belt be established in the urban area of Hawea as well. Best wishes, Lesley Burdon
Ian Bayliss, Queenstown Lakes District Council Planning Policy Manager, responds: Thanks for taking the time to write in and share your views. The current district plan for Wanaka has recently been through a public review process including formal consultation, submissions, hearings and appeals. This is largely complete and has produced a network of open space reserves and protections throughout and around Wanaka while allowing for growth and development. The idea of a green belt through and around Wanaka is not inconsistent with Council’s 2018 and 2019 decisions on the Proposed District Plan—take a look at maps
20-22 for details—they are available at www.qldc.govt.nz/proposeddistrict-plan-decisions-version. The 2002 Wanaka Community Plan includes the idea of a green belt and was an important consideration in these recent decisions. However Resource Management Act decisions must consider a range of factors including a detailed examination of submissions, consideration of how best to promote sustainable management of resources, managing potential adverse effects on the environment, and allowing people to provide for their economic and social well-
being. Community aspirations are an important consideration in making plans but unless a council wants to buy land to establish a greenbelt there is no legislation within the NZ planning system that allows for a greenbelt to be imposed over private land. Plan reviews often come down to assessing expert evidence in an inquisitorial semi-judicial hearing which can land a long way away from the original ideas in initial strategic and community plans that form their starting point.
EMPLOYMENT
Bed tax not the solution
Jim Boult is quoted in the Wanaka Sun opinion column (April 11, 2019) saying “…the (bed tax) model ensures it’s the visitors that are making the additional contribution, not the accommodation provider…”. Mr Boult is incorrect in this assertion and appears to not understand the laws of supply and demand. The proportion of a bed tax paid by the guest and the accommodation provider depends on the elasticity of accommodation supply and the elasticity of visitor demand. Accommodation supply is very inelastic—a hotel or apartment cannot be picked up and moved to another locality. Visitor demand is very elastic—visitors are able to stay wherever they choose and for as long (or short) as they like. One hundred percent of the tax burden will only fall on the visitor when the extra bed tax cost has absolutely no effect on the visitor’s choice of where they stay and for how long they stay. In reality, resistance to price increases will see visitors seek lower cost accommodation or stay for a shorter length of time, resulting the accommodation provider’s occupancy and net after-bed tax room rates being less than before the introduction of the bed tax. Mr Boult’s preference for a bed tax is solely down to what he thinks will be easiest to sell to the ratepayers. When 90 percent of the council rate payers are not accommodation providers and will not be affected by a bed tax he is on to a winner. Never mind the gross inequity that accommodation providers will end up paying a proportion of the bed tax that he wrongly says will be entirely the visitors’ cost. Yours faithfully Peter Sutherland Queenstown Lakes District Council politely declined to reply to this letter.
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Be part of the small team responsible for producing our popular weekly newspaper. You will have the relevant journalism qualifications, and a minimum of two years' experience writing for a recognised media organisation. You will have existing local contacts and the ability to connect with the wider community. You will also have an eye for community news, strong writing ability and photography skills, and the ability to meet strict deadlines.
Based in Wanaka, this position is for 20 hours per week with an immediate start.
Contact : editor@thewanakasun.co.nz with your CV and cover letter. THE WANAKA SUN
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