5 - 11 September 2019 | Edition 938 by Wanaka Sun

Council to nix overnight hubs...

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

What it means for freedom campers.

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Developers sentenced for sediment discharge... Northlake to appeal.

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EDITION 938

Southern airports' MOU to work together is 'great news' ALLISON MCLEAN

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

anaka Stakeholders Group (WSG) said there is 'no downside' to Tuesday's announcement of a strategic alliance between the three operators of Queenstown, Dunedin and Invercargill airports. The three commercial airports have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to 'foster a collaborative working relationship across the Lower South and to make a positive contribution to the region.' The airport companies will work together to 'identify and explore opportunities and undertake joint initiatives.' The multilateral airport arrangement is reportedly a first of its kind in New Zealand. Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) chief executive Colin Keel said, "Over the past two years the airport leaders have been discussing opportunities to work together in a number of areas, including health and safety, environmental sustainability, operational excellence and supporting strategic regional tourism initiatives. Entering into this cooperative arrangement formalises our shared commitment to work collaboratively.” WSG chair Michael Ross told the Wanaka Sun, "There is no downside to collaboration—particularly where there is a real pooling of resources, expertise and capacity. The three CEOs should be congratulated for this move, and it is something we've been calling for since our group's inception." Invercargill Airport general manager Nigel Finnerty said, “Working collaboratively with the airports of the Lower South will help open up more of our place to more people. The opportunity to work with the other southern airports on health and safety, operational excellence and environmental sustainability will support connectivity and growth across the entire region.” “It's now a question of what the scope and scale of this collaboration is," said Ross. "If it's about sharing resources, policies and best practices at an operational level, that's a good solid start, but that's just

entry-level collaboration. Let's see if these airport companies truly work together on bold and innovative strategies to utilise existing airport capacity for the benefit of the whole lower South Island.” Ross continued, "We'd love to see visitors to the Southern Lakes region flying in via existing international airports in Dunedin and Invercargill, giving benefit to those communities and many in between, as well as to the people of Queenstown and Wanaka when they inevitably visit Central Otago. This is a real opportunity for meaningful regional development on the back of bold collaboration,” he said. “We hope that these three airports share the details of their collaboration and their intentions for future growth and development, share the load and that they have the best interests of their respective communities at heart." The Wanaka Sun shared Ross’ feedback with QAC; in a joint response, the airport companies said, “The MOU formalises our joint commitment to working together and is a major next step in our collaborative relationship. The aspiration is that the MOU is the start of a long-term targeted collaboration that continues to develop over time and benefits each business and the region. “A key focus is our shared sustainability commitment. On a practical level, one of the first things we’re going to look at is how we can support the use of Electric Vehicles across our region. Other initiatives include Airport Safety week collaboration and aviation rescue fire training and drills. “We need to be mindful of our obligations under competition law. Airlines, not the airports, determine where air services are provided based on their individual commercial and operational considerations. For example, a clear demonstration of this process is the recently introduced direct Air NZ service between Invercargill and Auckland. “The three airport companies will work together to explore opportunities that we can support across the Southern region.” Pictured: Richard Roberts, Nigel Finnerty and Colin Keel said their collaboration is for the benefit of the region.

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It’s all happening at 2019 Winter Games NZ followed by Sweden’s Cody Bramwell, who won the event last year, and NZ’s Roland Morley-Brown came in third. Winter Games NZ, the elite winter sports Spanish Nuria Castán Barón nabbed event taking place in Wanaka, Naseby first place for the second time in the and Queenstown from August 23 through women’s snowboard field. Saturday, has brought together worldCastán Barón said, “I’m pretty stoked class athletes to compete in a variety of to land the big cliff I did in the middle; heart-pumping finals and qualifiers. it was kind of sketchy and the take-off Last Monday, New Zealanders was sharky. I stomped it and in these Jamesa Hampton (first), Hank Bilious conditions I couldn’t be any more happy.” (second) and Craig Murray (third) filled Kiwi snowboarder Claire McGregor the men’s ski podium at The North Face came second and Finland’s Mikaela Frontier Freeride World Qualifier 4* at Hollste made third. The Remarkables ski area. Other event highlights include junior Hampton made a ‘complete run,’ world champion Alice Robinson from exhibiting a traditional freeride style, Queenstown ranking second at the big technical skiing and a progressive FIS ANC Giant Slalom at Coronet Peak freestyle run. ski area, as well as American Chris Hampton said, “I am absolutely Corning’s repeat of his World Cup win stoked, it was a little bit sketchy. I at the finals of the FIS Snowboard World would like to be more in control, but Cup Big Air at Cardrona Alpine Resort. everything came together.” Events still to come include the FIS Kiwi freeride skier Jess Hotter topped Freeski World Cup Halfpipe qualifiers the women’s ski field with Swedish tomorrow and finals on Saturday ALLISON MCLEAN skiers Eva Battolla and Sybille Blanjean at Cardrona. journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz gliding into second and third place. Pictured: (L–R) Roland Morley-Brown In the men’s snowboard field, American of NZ (third), Blake Moller of USA (first) Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) will snowboarder Blake Moller ranked first, and Cody Bramwell of Sweden (second). not include overnight camping hubs in its plans to promote responsible and sustainable camping across the district this summer. The intention is to instead provide two daytime service hubs located in to-be-determined Wanaka and Queenstown locations as outlined in Council’s Saturday announcement of its 2019/20 Summer Camping Plans. The move is part of a number of changes incorporated into QLDC’s approach following methods first adopted in the 2018 camping season and after 'robust discussions' with commercial operators and feedback from campers, the community and ambassadors at the 2018 service hubs. More than 14,600 self-contained vehicles visited the service hubs between last November and March, and ambassadors surveyed more than 30,000 people across the district to 'better understand their motivations.' The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has now given QLDC $788,000 of funding for its responsible camping initiatives; from November 10 through April 26, the two daytime hubs will offer temporary toilets and showers, rubbish and recycling disposal and WiFi. The maximum stay at both hubs will be two hours. There will also be donation facilities at both hubs, with proceeds to assist with an environmental and/ or ecological project in both towns. • A warmer home in Winter, Other initiatives include signage posted at known cooler in Summer. hot spots no longer deemed 'appropriate' for camping, real-time maps and updates through a A warmer warmer home in in Winter, Winter, •••A Reductionhome in condensation. joint venture with Campermate and support from coolerin inSummer. Summer. cooler the motorhome industry. Last year's summertime trial of camping services •• Reduction External noise reduction. in condensation. • Reduction in condensation. was implemented to manage the influx of campers •• External noisereduces reduction. to the district. The plan included two free overnight Significantly camping sites—near Kingston and the red bridge •• External noise reduction. Significantly reduces heat loss. near Luggate, two service hubs—in Frankton and on heat loss. Wanaka’s Ballantyne Road and employed camping • Significantly reduces ambassadors to educate and monitor the hubs and heat loss. 'trouble areas.' For an obligation free quote call today 03 398 7497. “Some felt that allowing campers to stay Email: kris@doubleglazeit.co.nz | www.doubleglazeit.co.nz in service hubs overnight last year provided unnecessary competition for our district’s existing campgrounds,” said QLDC general manager of community services Thunes Cloete. "I believe that the decision to put a stop on the overnight [camping] hubs, particularly at the red bridge, is a fantastic decision by our council," said Andrea Kendrick, owner/operator of Wanaka Kiwi

Abby Costen

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Wanaka Sun archives

Local campgrounds welcome Council's decision to exclude overnight hubs

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Holiday Park and Motels. "This overnight hub definitely undercut the commercial campgrounds and accommodated visitors that could have been staying at holiday parks that already have services provided." Kendrick added, "Despite the red bridge site being ‘shut down,’ it appears to have still be operating as a hub since summer, with signage and surveillance cameras in operation.” Council parks service delivery manager Clare Tomkins said there will be more ambassadors across the district during peak season, a greater number of 'Freedom Camping Officers' and a review of the Freedom Camping Bylaw this year. “Simply put, we’ll have more boots on the ground helping to support responsible camping, covering a greater area than we’ve been able to previously," said Tomkins. "This summer, we’ll be able to assist with Department of Conservation land–sites like the Crown Range. We know that most campers want to do the right thing, and by providing more ambassadors and better education, we're positive our community will continue to see a greater level of people camping responsibly." Director of campground operators CCR, Rudi Sanders, told the Wanaka Sun, "It's good to hear that QLDC scored funding for the service hubs and the extra ambassadors and enforcers but has decided not to keep the overnight camping hubs open.” Sanders said local commercial operators had been in contact with QLDC about their concerns during the last year and stressed that the commercial campgrounds have ample capacity to accommodate the area’s travellers, including freedom campers. “Freedom campers traditionally prefer not to spend money on holiday parks, but, with this new ruling, they will not have a choice.” QLDC shared its announcement of the new summer camping plans on its social media channels, which elicited several responses, including one from Sara (surname removed), "To those people saying all campers should stay in campsites. I bought my self-contained campervan so I can travel with my dog, as motels and campsites don’t allow dogs in the summer,” she said. “Overcrowded campsites full of tourists parked next to each other are also the last places I want to stay. I have been freedom camping responsibly for 20 years in NZ, why should I, and so many other New Zealand Motor Caravan Association members, be stopped from travelling because we’ve allowed irresponsible tourists to abuse our beautiful country?" Pictured: Campervans lined up at the free overnight camping site near the Red Bridge during QLDC’s 2018 summertime trial of camping services.

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A muster to remember Abby Costen

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Snow Farm NZ hosted the 25th annual Merino Muster last Saturday, an international cross-country skiing event which forms part of the family of Worldloppet races. Around 286 athletes were brought together from New Zealand and around the globe to compete in three races—the 7km Straggle Muster, 21km Snow Rake and 42km Merino Muster. Japanese national team member Tomoki Sato triumphed in the Merino Muster with a time of 01:47:16, followed by head cross-country ski coach at Swix China and Norwegian athlete Kristian Bjune Sveen who finished second with a time of 01:48:33. “This race is the highlight in our training plan, and the last few days have been easy to be able to race fast,” said Sveen. “For us this is a great chance to show our development and compare ourselves with some great, top-level athletes.” American gold-winning olympic athlete Jessie Diggins was the first female to complete the 42km race, achieving sixth place with a time of 01:50:23. Diggins said, “[I was] just trying to hang onto the boys and ski like them. It was fun and so cool to see so many skiers from around the world.” Chinese national team member Abudelehan Yeernaer gained victory in

the Snow Rake with a time of 00:49:47, edging out Wanaka’s own Campbell Wright who finished second with a time of 00:50:23. American athlete Julia Kern was the first female athlete to complete the 21km race, finishing third with a time of 00:52:07. Kiwi male athlete Olivier Despatis brought home the gold in the Straggle Muster with a time of 00:17:06 and in second place was Thailand’s Mark Chanloung, who completed the race in 00:17:06. The first female to complete the Straggle Muster was Thailand’s Karen Chanloung, with a time of 00:20:40. From Santa Claus to Thing One and Thing Two on tandem skis, there were also several competitors in fancy dress. Jess Shipard, wearing a ‘granny-onskis-style’ fancy dress costume, said, “This is my 75th Merino Muster… just kidding. Lots of kiddos out today; it’s nice to see the community traditions continuing on. I was really lucky I didn’t crack my hip, had a couple of falls… might have a broken coccyx over here. No, it was very fun and very well-organised.” 1. Pictured: Athletes from around the globe participating in the 25th annual Merino Muster. 2. Pictured: Chinese athlete Jailin Bayani, American athlete Jessie Diggins and Chinese athlete Talidawubieke Dinaer. 3. Pictured: Kiwi athlete Hana Jones. Photos: Kristina Aluzaite – @mountainhat

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Freshwater Forum Is the quality of freshwater in the Upper Clutha important to you? Shaping our Future invite you to provide feedback on the vision and key actions prepared by community members for the future of freshwater in the Upper Clutha, based on information gathered at forum in 2018. Venue: Wanaka Presbyterian Church Date: Monday, 9th September Time: 6pm RSVP online or email executive@shapingourfuture.org.nz Read the report or complete the online survey at shapingourfuture.org.nz Now is the time to come together as a community and direct the future of freshwater for our district

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Procurement starts for planning and development professional services panel ALLISON MCLEAN

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Supplied

Meet your Councillors and talk about the proposed airport expansion ALLISON MCLEAN

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Next Thursday (September 12) will offer a chance for locals to hear what candidates standing as Councillors in the Wanaka Ward feel about a key issue in the Upper Clutha community: the proposed expansion of Wanaka Airport. The 2800-member-strong Wanaka Stakeholders Group (WSG) will be hosting ‘Upper Clutha Decides 2019’ as a way to give everyone an opportunity to hear from Councillors, as well as community board and mayoral candidates via video, about their views on related topics such as an approach to growth, infrastructure issues, tourism and the debate around the airport itself. It is reportedly the only allcandidate event taking place in town before voting begins in this year’s local body elections. “Queenstown Airport Corporation's planned development of Wanaka Airport has emerged as the most important issue for the Upper Clutha community and our Councillors and Community Board members,” said WSG member Meg Taylor. “Whether we are for or against the proposed development, we need to think about the impact a jet-capable airport will have on infrastructure, growth, tourism, housing and our environment in

Upper Clutha in 20 to 50 years' time; what changes new flight technologies will bring in that time and how will that affect airport requirements. What will global tourism be looking for in a destination in 20 years’ time.” Candidates will be asked to share their views on a range of questions submitted by the audience in a panel discussion format run by an independent MC who is familiar with local issues. Audience questions will be submitted in advance with the most popular ones presented to Councillors; however, WSG said there should be time for questions from the floor. “It is really important that people are able to question future Councillors and nominees on this issue and ensure genuine community input into future plans for the airport and our towns,” said Taylor. Upper Clutha Decides 2019 will be at Lake Wanaka Centre from 7:30 until 9:30pm with Council candidates and WSG core members making themselves available post event to discuss their views. The event is open to everyone, and free tickets are available via www.bit.ly/decides2019. Pictured: The Council meeting on August 26 included discussions on plans for Queenstown and Wanaka Airports following a series of public submissions.

Meet the candidates in Lake Hawea Abby Costen

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Hawea Community Association is hosting a candidate meeting this Sunday to help the residents of Lake Hawea decide whom they wish to vote for in the upcoming local body elections. The meeting will be held at Lake Hawea Community Centre from 3 until 5pm. The Hawea Community Association has invited

all of the local body candidates, and each of them will be provided with the opportunity to make a brief statement; the Hawea Community Association has prepared questions it deems important about the future of the Hawea region for them to answer. There will also be a chance for locals to ask questions as well as mix and mingle with a drink following the facilitated section of the meeting. Find out more at hca.haweacommunity.nz.

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Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is looking to procure a planning and development professional services panel to offer additional technical support and be a consistent resource to Council’s in-house team. QLDC recently released a request for proposal (RFP) for a panel to support Council with resource consents, building consents, resource management engineering and planning policy. QLDC chief executive Mike Theelen said the panel will help deliver a high volume of work and achieve the objectives established in the QLDC 2018-2028 Ten Year Plan. “As our district is one of the fastest growing regions in New Zealand, we deal with a large number of resource consents, building consents and other approvals to match demand,” said Theelan. QLDC noted it is experiencing some of the highest numbers of resource consent and building consent applications in NZ, outstripping many of country’s

Help shape the future of Upper Clutha’s water Abby Costen

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Shaping our Future (SOF) is encouraging the Upper Clutha community to attend its second water forum on Monday at Wanaka Presbyterian Church at 6pm. The cafe-style forum is an opportunity to provide feedback on the draft vision and key recommendations for the future of freshwater in the area, prepared by a volunteer taskforce of community members. Feedback from the local community concerning ‘user pays’, water metering and priorities for research is also desired. The first forum back in 2018 resulted in more than 200 community members identifying the key future priorities of freshwater quality and quantity, leadership and management, research and monitoring as well as community culture. The proposed long-term 30-plusyear vision for freshwater is ‘pure water, healthy ecosystems and an

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major cities, not including Auckland. About 1400 resource consent and around 1900 building consent applications have been received per annum during the last few years. Once appointed, the panel members will be ‘preferred suppliers’ for the delivery of professional services said Tony Avery, QLDC general manager of planning and development. “We are seeking to appoint two resource types to the panel: those of specialist and on-going support,” said Avery. “The on-going support will supplement the inhouse team for work, including consent processing and reports. The specialist support will provide additional technical expertise, which we currently outsource periodically. This includes landscape, noise and geotech assessments.” Avery continued, “We aim to appoint based on the best fit for each discipline and relevant expertise as well as their understanding of and commitment to the district.” The RFP is open for applications until October 9 through www.gets. govt.nz.

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engaged community.’ Recommendations for achieving this vision include establishing a formal process for Ministry for the Environment, Queenstown Lake District Council and Queenstown Resort College to work closely with the community to effectively manage development, run-off systems and monitoring. “Freshwater is a complex topic,” said SOF deputy chair and Wanaka resident Barry Bruce. “The taskforce has had to research and discuss a wide range of information to bring you this report. The second forum is an opportunity for residents, landowners, local workers and visitors to sit down and discuss the proposed roadmap to the future of freshwater for the area.” He added, “By bringing everyone together, we can agree a shared vision that the community can work towards for their children, grandchildren, future visitors and residents.” To find out more, visit shapingourfuture.org.nz.

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Participate in nationwide used pen recycling programme Ollie Blyth

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Recycling giant and leading stationery company BIC has announced its partnership with TerraCycle to launch a nationwide recycling programme making all brands of disposable pens and markers 100 percent recyclable. ‘The Writing Instruments Recycling Programme’ aims to combat the billions of disposable pens thrown away annually by collecting old stationery to melt them down and converting them into garden beds, park benches or even playgrounds. The programme has already achieved great results overseas, having diverted 40 million pens away from European landfills to date. “At BIC our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint is ingrained in our values, so we are thrilled to be able to provide New Zealanders with a free solution for recycling writing instruments at the end of their life,” said Mark O’Sullivan, BIC Asia-Pacific general manager. “Our program with TerraCycle also reinforces BIC’s commitment to education. Educating current and future generations about sustainability is an important focus for us.” Currently, the only Wanaka location participating in collection from the wider community is Aspiring Dental on Brownston Street. To date, local educational facilities like Mount Aspiring College do not have a means

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for students to responsibly recycle their used stationery items. The Writing Instruments Recycling Programme is a simple process that can aid schools in minimising their environmental impact. Anyone in town can sign up to the programme on TerraCycle’s website, download a free shipping label and send empty stationary items to TerraCycle in a full cardboard box (or more than two kg in weight). The programme accepts most stationary materials except sharpened tools, wooden pencils, chalk, crayons and rulers. For more information, visit www. terracycle.com. Pictured: A range of stationery items are now 100 percent recyclable.

NZ Innovation for Sustainability comes to town ALLISON MCLEAN

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

MacDiarmid Institute scientists will be in Wanaka tomorrow (Friday) to talk about how materials science is offering a greener future for our planet. Speakers Dr Nicola Gaston and Dr Marcus Jones, MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, will be holding a session of their annual Regional Innovation Showcase, ‘NZ Innovation for Sustainability,’ at the Presbyterian Church Hall at 6pm. It will be hosted by the Wanaka Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Gaston and Jones plan to talk about how solar energy materials, new battery technologies and carbon capture can offer a zero carbon future.

THURSDAY 05.09.19 - WEDNESDAY 11.09.19

They will look at how materials research into how energy-efficient computers, recyclable consumer electronics and upcycling natural materials will contribute to a renewable economy. The pair also plan to speak about current research in New Zealand that may reduce the effects of climate change. Gaston is an associate professor at the University of Auckland and a principal investigator and codirector at MacDiarmid Institute. Jones is a senior lecturer at Auckland University of Technology and an associate investigator at MacDiarmid Institute. Entry to Friday’s event is $5 per person. Pictured: Solar energy materials will be discussed during the NZ Innovation for Sustainability session tomorrow at 6pm

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CAMERA CLUB ‘IN FOCUS’

Dedicated photographer captures 'Dedicated Mum' MOORE B BOB Wanaka Camera Club Waterfowl is a favourite subject for avian photographers. Ducks have striking plumage and some of the most colourful and intricate patterns to be found in nature. One of the great things of waterfowl photography is that we don’t have to travel far for a fantastic photo opportunity. Getting close to the bird is important, so the use of a telephoto lens can be useful. One of the best times for photographing waterfowl is early in the morning around sunrise, as generally birds are more active and it is a time when the sunlight will offer excellent illumination. It is generally an advantage to take our image from a low angle, and waterfowl often look better if they are looking at the viewer. The advantages of having a slight head turn towards the camera is that this angle places the tip of the bill closer to being on the same plane as the eye. This makes it easier to get both sharp, even when the depth of field is shallow. When combined with a good lighting angle, the slight head turn also can provide better illumination of the face and increases the chance of getting good light in the eye, which adds life to the image. If the eye is well-lit and in sharp focus, we are well on the way to a great picture. A good guide to camera settings is to use a wide aperture of around f4 to isolate the subject, and a fast shutter speed to keep the image sharp. A great example of a waterfowl photo is Marg Hurley’s ‘Dedicated Mum.’ Hurley went the Botanical

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Volunteering Central appoints new connections coordinator ALLISON MCLEAN

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz PHOTO: Marg Hurley

Gardens in Hunter Valley, Australia, to take pictures of its bird life. Hurley was taken by the position of the birds and the perfect overcast light which gave soft appealing shadows. Hurley used a Canon EOS 60D camera with a focal length of 250mm, an aperture of f6.3 and a shutter speed of 1/320 sec. Hurley’s picture was awarded an ‘Honours’ in the club’s monthly competition. Wanaka Camera Club is dedicated to help improve the skills of anyone interested in photography. Our next meeting is Monday at 7.30pm at The St John Rooms, Link Way. Pictured: Marg Hurley’s ‘Dedicated Mum.’

Otago Fish and Game ‘pleased’ with developers sentencing for sediment discharge

Volunteering Central is welcoming a new connections coordinator to help support and connect the community with local volunteer work opportunities. Kirsty Miles, who has been a volunteer worker since she was a teenager, joins Volunteering Central’s Gillian White to help ensure that ‘anyone who wants to volunteer can connect with an organisation that sparks their passion, and that organisations seeking volunteers are supported in their mission.’ Volunteering Central works across the Central Otago Lakes region and promotes, supports and strengthens volunteering as well as manages an online database of volunteering roles. “Having spent the past three years living in Queenstown, my sense of belonging in the community was

definitely enhanced when I started voluntarily running the Wakatipu Girl Guides in 2016; which I still love,” said Miles. “I have a genuine interest and passion [for] people and the local community, so I am really excited about using my skills and energy to help develop Volunteering Central to reach its full potential." Miles added, “Our volunteer interviews are really useful for people new to the area or those trying out volunteering for the first time. There are so many options for people to get involved with; it can be a little overwhelming so we chat to individuals and find out about their skills, interests and motivations and help them find a role that suits them.” For more information, email Miles or White on hello@volunteeringcentral. org.nz. Pictured: Kirsty Miles is Volunteering Central’s new connections coordinator.

OCT funds purchase of Tarras Community Church ALLISON MCLEAN

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Wanaka Sun

ALLISON MCLEAN

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Otago Fish and Game is expressing its pleasure in Tuesday’s sentencing of Northlake Investments Ltd in Queenstown District Court for a large sediment discharge in August 2017. Otago Regional Council (ORC) successfully prosecuted Northlake Investments for that offence, which was generated by earthworks in the course of a subdivision development and resulted in extensive discolouration in the Clutha River/Mata-Au for more than 500m downstream. The development company was convicted and ordered to pay $42,500 to ORC. Otago Fish and Game spokesperson Nigel Pacey said, “The organisation fully supported the prosecution, and the outcome was a firm signal to all developers and contractors that the environment must be protected and detrimental effects managed more effectively when development occurs.” Pacey added, “It’s great to see the ORC not taking a back seat and being proactive in dealing with all sectors of society that degrade water quality. Time and time again, rural landowners have [bore] the brunt of criticism for the quality of our water, so it’s good to see other water polluters held to the same high standard.” ORC chief executive Sarah Gardner said Tuesday’s sentencing highlighted the importance of improved

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environmental management during development and the need during times of rapid growth for developers and contractors to adopt best practices. “It’s time to ensure activity in Otago complies with consent conditions designed to prevent environmental degradation and, when it doesn’t, the appropriate action is taken by the regional council to protect our vital water resources,” said Pacey. “This case is not the only occasion that substantial silt laden stormwater has flowed into the Clutha River/Matua-Au and other pristine waterways,” Upper Clutha Lakes Trust (UCLT) secretary Julie Perry told the Wanaka Sun. “In place of enforcement and prosecution, UCLT believes there is a role for the community to foster broad collaboration between developers, Queenstown Lakes District Council and ORC to find effective solutions for managing land use intensification within our sensitive catchment.” ORC also prosecuted Civil Construction Ltd for the August 2017 discharge offence; they were convicted and fined $25,500 in January. Northlake Investments has since released a statement saying it will appeal this week’s conviction and fine. “Our community places a high value on the natural environment and wants to ensure that there are no adverse impacts on the environment as a result of current or future construction activities,” said Perry. Pictured: The mighty Clutha River/Matua-Au.

Otago Community Trust is investing more than $69,000 into Wanaka during its August round of grants. Besides boosting a number of Otago schools with funding for school projects during its latest round of funding, Otago Community Trust awarded the Tarras Community Church Charitable Trust with a $50,000 grant to support the purchase of the Tarras Community Church as a community asset. In addition, Otago Community

Trust awarded $12,600 to Snow Sports NZ to fund event media, specifically videography and photography, for the Snow Sports NZ Junior Freestyle Nationals event at Cardrona Alpine Resort during the first week of October. The trust also funded $5,000 to Wanaka Golf Club and $1,500 to Wanaka Community Toy Library. The Otago Community Trust is a philanthropic organisation which applies its Trust funds for charitable and other purposes which are of benefit to the community. Since inception, the trust has granted more than $170M into the Otago region.

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Cherry investors back Lindis River project

PHOTO: Supplied

ALLISON MCLEAN

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz PHOTO: Gareth Hodges

Youth fundraising concert for anti-bullying organisation Ollie Blyth

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Central Otago based anti-bullying organisation Sticks ‘n’ Stones will be holding a fundraising variety concert in Alexandra tomorrow. The 7pm concert at the Dunstan High School hall will feature a range of young Sticks ‘n’ Stones advocates, including those from Upper Clutha. Sticks ‘n’ Stones was founded in 2013 by a group of 30 teenagers from five local high schools wanting to create change in the approach to bullying prevention. The not-for-profit organisation focuses on students being leaders of change in their communities, and great strides have been made towards a bully-free New Zealand since their founding. Vanessa Breen, Alexandra community facilitator for the organisation, is helping the students organise this year’s variety concert, wanting to give students from different towns a chance to collaborate with one another. “Events like this enable us to fundraise to help

our programmes to be delivered in schools. It also can help pay for our young people to head around the country to represent Sticks ‘n’ Stones at youth conferences and spread the word that we want all young people to be accepted and respected for who they are,” said Breen. “I’m really happy that Sticks ‘n’ Stones have given us this awesome opportunity,” said Year 11 guitarist Red Simpson, a Sticks ‘n’ Stones advocate and member of The Ruby Island Jazz Trio who will be performing at the event. “It’ll be great to show everyone what we’ve been working on.” “It will be a fun, relaxed evening, listening and watching some very talented students,” said Breen. Doors will open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start for the one-and-a-half-hour-long show. Tickets will be sold at the door. For more information, email vanessa@ sticksnstonesnz.com. Pictured: MAC band ‘Okey Dokey’ will play at the Sticks ‘n’ Stones fundraising variety concert on September 6.

A multi-million dollar venture to further develop Central Otago’s cherry industry has taken root. New Zealand horticultural investment company, Hortinvest, has planted the first 12 hectares at its $15.5 million Lindis River cherry project in Lindis Valley after four investors committed to underwrite stage one planting. Winter planting is reported as critical for optimal cherry production outcomes. A further 23,000 trees will be planted in winter 2020 as part of the project’s stage two. Harvest of the first fruit is expected in the summer of 2021 to 2022. One of the investors is Lindis Peaks Station, a first for station farmers Lucy Annan and Simon Maling. The merino sheep and beef cattle farming business is changing the use of their land as they diversify into horticulture. Under the new plan, the station, family owned for four generations since 1910, is expanding into horticulture;

the 80ha land project will include an irrigation plan to access water from the Clutha River via the farm’s dam to water the crop. "The time is right to diversify," said Lindis Peaks Station farmer Lucy Annan. "Horticulture is water-efficient and sits well with our farming system." She said she and fellow station farmer Simon Maling invested in a significant irrigation scheme in 2015 to access water from the Clutha River. "We were very pleased to see the first stage of planting get underway and the orchard begin to take shape. In just a few days the paddock, which had cattle on it, was transformed with thousands of cherry trees," said Maling. "Since we decided to invest in horticulture a year ago, it has been an exciting ride and we're looking forward to being part of the cherry story in Central Otago." The Lindis River project is 40 percent subscribed as negotiations continue with several large corporate investors from New Zealand and overseas. Pictured: Lucy Annan and Simon Maling of Lindis Peaks Station.

September 19-21

Lake Wanaka Centre

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NATURE by Forest and Bird

Draft Climate Action Plan for the Queenstown Lakes District

PHOTO: Wanaka Sun

PHOTO: Erik Ahlström

MAC student runs towards a litter picking mission Ollie Blyth

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

“You’re out there anyway, so why not make it a better place,” said Year 13 Mount Aspiring College student Bella Thomsson, who is on a litter picking mission to make Wanaka a clean and green place. She has set out to spread a new Swedish initiative, called plogging, which encourages people to pick up litter while jogging or walking. The term ‘plogging’ is a combination of the Swedish words ‘plocka upp’ (picking up) and ‘jogga’ (jog); it was coined by founder Erik Ahlström who was concerned with the rapidly increasing rate of plastic pollution in the world around him. “I was shocked by the amount of junk there was in nature,” said Ahlström. “It felt good in my heart to clean up even a small place.” At the beginning of 2019, Ahlström participated in a 45 plogging session, including one in Wanaka, with eager locals participating in his world plogging tour. Thomsson is educating locals about the initiative through the school’s ‘Students in the Community’ programme, where Year 13 students are encouraged

to give back to the Upper Clutha community. During her own experiences plogging, she has noticed that Wanaka is no different to the rest of the world in terms of plastic pollution. “What I find the most of has to be packaging, for food especially,” she said. “Takeaway cups and containers that are littered on the beach… When it rains, plastic is swept into the lake and then flows into the Clutha [River], eventually ending up in the sea, having a profoundly negative impact on marine wildlife.” As well as encouraging locals to pick up rubbish, Thomsson wants to stress that plogging is not the only solution. “I think it’s also important to be more mindful when we are consuming, looking for options with minimal plastic and environmental footprint. Even if we challenge ourselves just one day a week to produce as little plastic waste as possible, we are heading in a better direction.” Those interested to learn more about Thomsson’s mission can visit her plogging booth at the Mitre10 Wanaka Festival of Sport and Recreation at the Wanaka Recreation Centre on September 15. Pictured: Eric Ahlström with Upper Clutha ploggers earlier this year.

Local gymnast raises the bar for Nationals Abby Costen

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Rae Paterson

THE WANAKA SUN

Wanaka’s own gymnast and rising star Isabella (Bella) Soper has collaborated with her coach Rae Paterson to ready herself for the South Island Championships, which has involved adapting her training methods to overcome the hindering environmental factors presented by her training facility. This weekend, a coach from Christchurch is transporting a springboard to the South Island Championships in Timaru—the new equipment should better suit the style of somersaulting vault that Soper is working on for Nationals. Soper has also met and received guidance from Alison Milburn, formerly known as Alison Reid, who was the 1970 NZ Gymnastics Elite Champion and represented New Zealand at the World Games. Milburn was also University of Illinois’ head coach in the United States of America. Paterson intends to run an open training session before Soper heads off to Auckland in early October in order to give the local community a chance to appreciate the gymnastic skills required to compete at her level. Pictured: (left to right) Isabella Soper and Alison Milburn.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) recently declared a climate emergency and released a Draft Climate Action Plan. This plan states in the introduction, “Now is the time to stop talking about climate change and to start taking climate action.” QLDC is to be commended for these sentiments and this Draft Action Plan. The Plan contains a wealth of information, including, “What could climate change mean for our district? What is QLDC already doing?” It contains an overview of the Council’s adaptation and mitigation activities, including current projects and a selection of future projects from things like the QLDC 10-Year Plan. Outcomes are listed within ‘The Four Wellbeings Framework’—Social, Cultural, Environmental, Economic— and a matrix shows priority actions for 2019 to 2021 and 2021 to 2022. The main problem with the Plan is the ‘who, what, where and when’ are not given much attention despite the plan specifically referring to the next three years and given QLDC has declared a climate emergency. Outcomes like ‘Queenstown Lakes is a place that is ready and prepared for every emergency’ and ‘everyone in our community is equally safe from the harmful impacts of climate change,’ and ‘we will achieve zero carbon and zero waste targets… [and] lead the world in environmentally sustainable, low carbon visitor experiences’ are laudable, but how are these and the many other ‘wellbeings’ to be achieved? Under the section on what QLDC is

already doing, for ‘Local Adaptation,’ there is apparently ‘forward planning’ and ‘bold decision-making’ but little detail of what these are; regarding ‘Local Mitigation,’ QLDC is supposedly leading by example, but the examples given are underwhelming (eg. “... [staff] minimising waste and being more energy efficient”) given the gravity of the climate emergency. The overview of the QLDC’s adaptation and mitigation activities is a mixed bag at best, from the specific (eg. Queenstown Events Centre heating review) to the surely aspirational (eg. Exploring use of recycled materials for road construction). Again, the ‘who, what, where and when’ are not given much attention. With fast growing numbers of overseas visitors and the climate impacts of their travel as well as the infrastructure needed to support them, the ‘transition to a zero-carbon future’ is going to be missed by a proverbial country mile if we follow the Draft Plan as presently worded. How do we get this Plan in order so that it can achieve its stated objective? What QLDC has produced is not so much a draft action plan as half an action plan. What is needed is the most important part of any action plan, the part that spells out the objectives, the policies that will be deployed to achieve them, the means by which they will be achieved, the timeframe and funds to do it and how we will measure our progress towards a zero-carbon future. Pictured: Mount Aspiring National Park. – By Evan Alty

EVERY LETTERBOX EVERY THURSDAY Is your Wanaka Sun delivered every Thursday? If not, email your address to admin@thewanakasun.co.nz or phone us on 03 443 5252

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“Bee” aware—September is a buzzing month PHOTO: Steve Zimmerman

US Air Force confirms first aircraft for Warbirds 2020 Ollie Blyth

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

The United States Air Force (USAF) confirmed their first aircraft for Warbirds Over Wanaka (WOW) late last week, much to the delight of local plane enthusiasts. The USAF C-17 Globemaster III and its crew will be travelling from their base in Hawaii over the 2020 Easter weekend and will be hosted in Christchurch International Airport due to the aircraft’s size. WOW general manager Ed Taylor said he is thrilled to be able to welcome the C-17 back to the crowds once again. “The C-17 is one of the world’s most popular military transport aircraft and is big, around twice the size of a C-130 Hercules,” he said. The C-17 Globemaster III has a 52m wingspan and is 53m in length. It weighs more than 128 tonnes, is powered by 4 x Pratt and Whitney

PW2000 engines, has a range of just over 10,000kms and a cruising speed of 830kph. Taylor said that, because of the aircraft’s size, being a member of its military demonstration team requires a high amount of experience. “In terms of the C-17, displaying at an airshow takes flying these large aircraft to the next level, with precision and speed required to put on a proper demonstration for the public. Although the flying profile is not much different from an operational mission, it is very fast-paced so the pilots need to have additional training to ensure safety and precision flying.” More military demonstration aircraft attending the event will be confirmed during the coming months. The WOW International Airshow will be held from April 10 through 12, 2020, at the Wanaka Airport. Pictured: The US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III in flight.

PHOTO: Supplied

Crimeline K

Koppert

Constable, NZPD

Over the last week we have had a number of skiers and snowboarders around for the Winter Games NZ. Otago University had a group up for the week which they finished up on Saturday; they were very wellbehaved, not like the old days. During the week, the Police were called to a couple of family-harm incidents with one person off to explain themselves to a judge. If you are struggling in a relationship, whether financially or just the pressures of everyday life, please don’t hesitate to ask for help. There are some great agencies that are specifically trained and can help ease that burden in these areas. Police have a list of agencies that can help, or you can seek help at Community Networks on Brownston Street. In and around the Queensbury area, there have been sightings of a drone flying around and getting very close

Abby Costen

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

to houses; if anyone knows anything please call police as this is a complete invasion of privacy. Over the weekend, we had just one drink driver; this was pleasing to see so the message is getting through. However, one is still one too many. It’s great to see the taxis getting used, there seems to be a lot more of them on the road. Our message is always to drink responsibly and arrange alternative transport if you are going to drink. Sunday brought on the first day of spring, which means the days are getting longer and with the warmer weather out come the singlets, shorts and jandals. Bring on the BBQs, I say! Here in Wanaka we are very fortunate in having a thriving Community Patrol group who patrol our streets for a few hours on a Friday and Saturday night to keep everyone safe. Please contact Constable Ian Henderson at the Wanaka Police station on 443 7272 if you want to join the CPNZ group or know more about what they do.

SUN TEAM

WANAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER – ISSUE 938 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 Abby Costen • newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz Advertising: 021 956 740 adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz

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Admin: Benn Ashford • 021 956 740 admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Mail: PO Box 697, Wanaka Deadlines: Display Advertising 4pm Friday prior to publication. adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz 021 786 740 Classified Advertising 5pm Monday prior Text: 0220 786 778 admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Subscriptions: $175 within NZ (incl GST) per year. Overseas rates on request. Remittances to PO Box 697, Wanaka, NZ.

Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor teamed up with Apiculture New Zealand and launched the 10th annual Bee Aware Month to celebrate bees and their importance to the ecosystem, food chain and economy. Bee Aware Month started on Sunday. The 2019 theme is ‘Love our Bees,’ and Kiwis nationwide are being encouraged to show their love for the creatures by taking easy steps to improve bee health, such as planting bee-friendly plants like wildflowers, providing clean water for bee rehydration and choosing bee-friendly pesticides. Other ideas include attending Bee Aware Month events and throwing ‘Pollinator Parties,’ a gathering of friends to share kai and plant bee-friendly plants in unused areas of garden or berm. O’Connor said, “Without bees we wouldn’t have pollination, and without pollination we wouldn’t have food.

If we look after the bees then they can look after pollination.” To mark the start of the campaign, O’Connor visited Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s beehives at Wellington’s Premier House. Apiculture New Zealand chief executive Karin Kos said, “We are lucky to have a healthy bee population in New Zealand, but we can’t be complacent. Bees need our help to stay healthy and Bee Aware Month is all about encouraging people to do those small, but vital, things that make a real difference.” Bee Aware Month is also an opportunity to recognise and appreciate the wide range of delicious and unique honey produced in New Zealand. For more information, visit apinz.org.nz/beeaware-month. Pictured: Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor inspecting the Prime Minister’s beehives at Premier House with young beekeepers from Te Aro School Issac Holback, Izy Iversen-Stenning, Saffanah Rahman and Sterling Williamson.

CLT funding bolsters region’s arts and heritage Abby Costen

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Central Lakes Trust (CLT) approved $438,166 in grants to bolster the region’s arts and heritage in its latest funding round. Old Cromwell Inc Society chair Helen Scoles said, “We have seen a number of heritage-, environment-, arts- and cultural-oriented grants this round.” Project grants include $6000 for staging at Lake Hawea Community Centre, $54,786 for Arrowtown Menzshed and $30,000 for a van for Presbyterian Support Otago’s Enliven Services in Wanaka. CLT chief executive Susan Finlay said, “Successful in Alexandra on many levels, a Menzshed will become a fantastic asset for the Arrowtown community. The product they generate goes back into the community, it might be the picnic table you’re sitting at, or the mini-library on a street corner or the young

THURSDAY 05.09.19 - WEDNESDAY 11.09.19

boys they pass their skills on to; their impact is far-reaching aside, of course, from the obvious social inclusion and wellbeing it promotes for its members.” Operational and programme grants include $4400 for Snow Sports NZ’s Remarkables Adaptive Programme, $3560 for The Upper Clutha Sports Community Trust’s Festival of Sport and Speaker Series and $8000 for Wanaka Riding for the Disabled’s horse hire 2019-20. CLT is the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest philanthropic trust per capita and aims to ‘make a positive contribution to the community by supporting charitable projects throughout the Central Lakes’ to enhance the community and the lives of the people within. Since its formation in 2000, the charitable trust has distributed more than $90 million to community projects and services throughout the Central Lakes area.

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MAC Boys shine in top men’s league Sports reporter

sports@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Mount Aspiring College (MAC) Boys first XI football team are competing at the NZ Secondary Schools Jim Wishart Tournament in Blenheim this week. Team members have been playing their club football in the Dunedin Premier League for the Wanaka AFC Premier Men’s team for the last five months. MAC captain Weston Bell, center midfielder Michael Gealogo, Toa Roode, defender Levi Fletcher and striker Harry Grimsdale have all played a major role in WAFC Premiers recent success along with MAC players Ethan Arrati, Flynn Brown and keeper Lukas Schfer who have been called up when needed, earning valuable game time. The young players, where the average age is 16, have shown maturity and composure on the pitch in the top men’s league and haven’t looked out of place. Gealogo has been the most consistent and punches above his weight, and, as the season has

progressed, his MAC teams have really stepped up their game to be consistently named in the starting lineup in recent times. Along with their Dunedin Premier League players, the MAC team also has some of the young Wanaka football talent in their ranks, such as year 10 Jack Lanigan and Xion Lippe who have shown that they are not out of their depth and have enjoyed playing with their older teammates and peers. The opportunity the MAC team has given them to play alongside the older boys has proved invaluable. Even in reps and national age grade teams, they play with and against players their same age, so playing alongside and against older boys has boosted their confidence and sharpened their skills. The Jim Wishart Tournament is hard and the MAC boys are in a very tough pool; no matter the result, this bunch of young players will be going somewhere. Pictured: MAC Boys first XI football team.

PHOTO: MAC Football

Premiers climb to second place

Hockey season comes to a close

PHOTO: Supplied

Sports reporter

sports@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Supplied

Sports reporter

sports@thewanakasun.co.nz

Wanaka Premiers were under pressure early on at Dunedin’s Ellis Park last Saturday, but debutant goalkeeper Victor Meija produced two crucial saves in the opening minutes to keep Roslyn Wakari at bay. Wanaka responded in 10 minutes when striker Steve Pleskun’s header from a corner grazed the crossbar. It was Wanaka and Pleskun who would open the scoring when a well-worked move starting in their own half resulted in Toa Roode finding space wide on the left wing. Roode then delivered a perfect left foot cross to the far post and Pleskun headed home to give Wanaka the lead with 20 minutes played. Roslyn looked to get back on level terms, but it was Pleskun who struck again five minutes later. Weston Bell won possession and played a delightful pass to which Pleskun could run on and, after wrong footing his opposing defender, he produced a trademark finish with his left foot and rifled the ball past a helpless Stevens in Roslyn’s goal. Wanaka led at half-time 2-0.

THE WANAKA SUN

Roslyn, on their home turf and with a slim chance of still winning the league, had everything to play for and produced a better second half. They dominated possession and territory but too often looked to play long, aerial balls which played into the hands of Wanaka’s centre back pairing of Thomas Van Hees and Blair Scoullar who were dominant throughout. Roslyn scored their opening goal from a deflected Govan shot in the 75th minute to set up a hectic end to the game where Roslyn went close to equalising, hitting Wanaka’s cross bar, but the rebound was well cleared by Wanaka’s defence. The score finished 2-1. Seventeen-year-old Michael Gealogo was Wanaka’s ‘Man of the Match’ as he showed courage and skill in a game where there was no quarter given. This Saturday is the last game of the season and Wanaka is at home against local rivals Queenstown Rovers. If Wanaka wins their game and Dunedin Tech does not get four of their remaining possible six points, the Premiers will keep their second spot. Saturday’s kick off is at 2:45pm at Wanaka Recreation Centre. Pictured: WAFC Premiers celebrate another win in Dunedin.

Upper Clutha Senior Reserve B (under 15 years old) took on the unbeaten Cromwell Red team in last Thursday’s (August 29) final. The first half saw Upper Clutha play exceptional hockey. Defenders Maggie Dougherty, Henri Fenn, Caitlin Curtis, Zoe Eckhoff and Cade Cameron worked hard to keep Cromwell team at bay, ably assisted by goalie Niall Alexander who made numerous great saves. While inner Will Anderson worked tirelessly, displaying great ball skills to connect between defence and attack. Upper Clutha’s first chance to score came when Thomas Benson managed a great run up the right wing and released a pass to Thomas Mitchell

on the left post whose direct hit only narrowly missed the goal. Scoring from two penalty corners in the last 10 minutes saw Cromwell take the lead 2-0 going into half time. Upper Clutha let its guard down at the start of the second half, which enabled Cromwell to score three consecutive goals. The team refused to give up, kept fighting and were awarded a penalty stroke when Benson’s attempt at goal was deliberately impeded. James Dougherty took the stroke (one-onone against Cromwell’s goalie) to score. Cromwell, however, scored its sixth and final goal to take the win 6-1. Upper Clutha can be extremely proud of their efforts against a very strong, well-drilled team. Pictured: Upper Clutha Senior Reserve B team.

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 – Silver Championship Pairs 9 North/South: 1st Lynne Fegan Georgie Roberts 57.52%, 2nd Barbara Waterworth Jenny Muir 55.07%, 3rd Marc Simmonds Allan Kelly 54.55%. East/West: 1st Maggie Stratford Paul Cushnie 59.28%, 2nd Helen Cornwell Boyd Ottrey 57.77%, 3rd Janice Munden John Hogg 56.06%. Wednesday – Hunter Pairs 3 North/South: 1st Jude Gunn Jen Milburn 67.95%, 2nd Alwyne Haworth Shirley Coppage 60.47%, 3rd Doug Hall Rachel Hall 52.56%. East/West: 1st Blair

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Coghill Noeline Munro 65.74%, 2nd John Schwarz Deb Budden 62.12%, 3rd Sandy Bryan Miranda O'Leary 59.03%. Final Ladder: 1st Carol Orbell Nicola Brown 56.39%, 2nd John Schwarz Deb Budden 56.21%, 3rd Jane Hamilton Denise Bunn 55.77%. Friday, August 30 – Handicap North/South: 1st Kay Ross Noelene Raffills 61.86%, 2nd Heather Wellman Mary Maclean 59.46%, 3rd Freda Ryder Barbara Waterworth 52.92%. East/ West: 1st Deirdre Lynch Ruth Coghill 62.77%, 2nd Maggie Stratford Judy Briggs 61.78%, 3rd Bridget McCaughan Heather Olsen 60.57%.

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South Island Super Seniors Tennis Tournament

PHOTO: Supplied

Southern Lakes Tennis won the South Island Super Seniors Tennis Tournament in Dunedin over the weekend for the first time since the competition started in 2003. The team consisted of 14 players from Wanaka, five from Queenstown and one from Clyde. During the three days, Southern Lakes Tennis beat North Otago/Southland 115, Canterbury Country 9-7, South Canterbury 15-1, Otago 12-4 and Canterbury 13-3. Last year they were beaten by Canterbury by one game on a countback after matches were drawn, so the convincing win this year was very pleasing. The smaller associations have a fiveyear age advantage due to much lower

player numbers. The Southern Lakes team has to have half of their team older than 55 years old and the other half has to be older than 50 years old. The tournament is a great event played every year at the Edgar Centre in Dunedin. Pictured: (left to right - last row) Robbie Julius, Geoff Hatten, John Duffy, Karen Mitchell, Andrew Bishop, Barbara Provan, Allen Martin, Daphne Ledgerwood, Jeanette Hatten, Sue Thompson, Bruce Scott, Teresa Chapman, Colin Finnie, Steve May. (left to right - front row) Felicity Oxnevad, Suma Ito Sheehan, Janey Kuzma. (not pictured) Nigel Buckingham, Jenny Chisholm, Mike Cook. – By Jeanette Hatten

Wanaka bowler off to national finals Ollie Blyth

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Local men’s bowler Richie Muir is off to the New Zealand Professional Bowls Association Finals weekend this month in Hamilton after winning the In t e r n a t i o n a l S i n g l e s Qualifier and Ranking Singles in Invercargill last month. Throughout the August 10 and 11 w e e k e n d , Muir defeated Lyall Spencer 9-4 7-6 and also defeated Craig Tinker in straight sets 11-5 10-5 during the In t e r n a t i o n a l S i n g l e s Qualifier. As a result, he will be travelling to Hamilton for free for a straight knockout style of competition as the representative of Southland. As Muir

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describes it, he says it will be a ‘very strong competition’ against a range of players from across the country. Muir has been bowling for seven years and is currently ranked as Wa n a k a’s top bowler, having won the the Wanaka Bowling Club's Men's Singles for the past three years. Should he win the Hamilton n a t i o n a l finals, Muir will be given the chance to compete in the World Professional Bowls Finals in England, so his achievements thus far have been significant. The Wanaka PHOTO: Supplied b o w l i n g community is very excited for Muir and wish him all the best for the upcoming competitions. Pictured: Richie Muir of Wanaka.

N o t i c e b o a rd | P a p a P ā n u i Amendment to September Meeting Schedule Additional meetings: Resource Consent Hearing (Abbeyfield Construction Ltd RM181382) – Edgewater (Pavilion), Sargood Drive, Wānaka. Tuesday 17 September 2019 at 11.00am. Resource Consent Hearing (D Blanchard RM181227) – Crowne Plaza Hotel (Level 3), Beach Street, Queenstown. Thursday 19 September 2019 at 10.00am. Change of meeting location:

Phone: 03 443 8000 Top of Helwick Street, Wanaka

The meeting of the QLDC Wānaka Community Board – previously advertised as being held in the Armstrong Room, Lake Wānaka Centre, 89 Ardmore Street, Wānaka on Thursday 26 September 2019 will now be held in the Lake Hāwea Community Centre, Myra Street, Hāwea.

OPENING HOURS: 8AM TO 7PM 7 DAYS PAGE 12

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Private Bag 50072 | 47 Ardmore Street Wānaka Phone 03 443 0024 | www.qldc.govt.nz

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Soften the impact of cell towers

Dear Wanaka community, In regards to the recent outrage over cell towers and their imposing visual impact in and around the township and the wider landscape, I would like to draw your attention to a possible simple visual solution I recently saw on a trip to Marrakesh, Morocco, to soften the environmental impact. It seemed to be local council policy there that all cell towers be disguised to minimise their impact on the landscape, and what does Morocco have a lot of? Palm Trees. They are all dressed as Palm Trees. At first sight we just thought they were just that, but upon closer scrutiny you can see the metal components sticking out the top. The pole was even dressed as the bark of a Palm Tree. Can I suggest that Queenstown Lakes District Council (or perhaps even the Government) imposes regulations on the telecoms to help minimise these unsightly structures? What does New Zealand have a lot of (albeit very few indeed in Central Otago)? The beautiful native Nikau Palm Tree! Wouldn't that be great to look at; a lovey Nikau Palm in the middle of town while enjoying a beautiful lunch, rather than a metal, space-craft like structure emitting high-frequency radio waves (not that the fake Nikau Palm leaves will stop the dangerous microwaves!). Regards, James McElrea, Albert Shire Pictured: An artist's rendering of a solution for a cell tower disguise (as could be seen from ODE restaurant).