5ththSept Sept 2014 2017 27 Jan--11 3rdth Feb
FIRST ON THE STREET
No No 434 616
LAKES WEEKLY BULLETIN
1 J IN O 17 SI BS D E
www.lwb.co.nz • buy • accommodation • sell • information • jobs • enquiries@lwb.co.nz
Queenstown is unique for many reasons, but the community vibe amongst the locals is pretty darn special. We should be proud of our hotpot of individuals from all over the world, sharing a common love for the outdoors and living the good life together. When I first landed in Queenstown last winter, I was amazed at this community and how friendly everyone was. There’s a real sense of ‘we’re in it together’, whether you love skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, adrenaline-sports, drinking or travelling, just the fact you’re choosing to stay in Queenstown is enough for locals to lend a hand, have a chat and share their story. And with every vibrant town, the online community is buzzing, with many Queenstown Facebook pages for buying and selling, accommodation and advice available. I lost my backpack with my passport, car keys and purse inside, yet 24 hours of a post on Facebook, I’d tracked it down and got it back. But there is darker side of the QT social media community. It seems, despite the friendliness of those on the streets, it’s OK to abuse each other behind the safety of the screens. The ‘Queenstown Whinge’ page was closed down by its founder because it “got too toxic”. On other well used Facebook pages there are trolls determined to spread hate. There have been numerous examples of sleazy jokes, sexist comments, and abuse towards those asking for advice, looking for a room to rent or selling something. And with each comment, I get more confused at the bi-polarity of certain Queenstown locals.
Organiser of the Jacks Point Trail run, Andy Town with the winner of the race, Ryan ‘The Ferret’ Carr at the prizegiving ceremony at Smith’s on Saturday. (Photo: Jodi Walters)
It baffles me in such a unique and open-minded place as this, we can harbour any kind of angry or negative online community. We’re made up of a medley of nationalities who have chosen, and not been forced, to live here. We’re one of the few places in the world where travel-lovers and adrenaline junkies are tempted to stay and settle. We’re accepting and friendly when face-to-face, so what’s different when you’re on your phone or laptop? And let’s not forget, Queenstown’s local community is surprisingly small. Despite the huge number of tourists visiting each year, our long-term residents are made up of a small and cheerful army of ski and mountain workers, entrepreneurs, tourism and hospitality staff, council members, builders, mechanics and many more, who are all connected in some way or other. In Queenstown, everyone knows everyone. Which is why it seems even more nonsensical to want to throw verbal insults at each other on the QT Facebook pages. Online abuse might be accepted by the rest of the world, but those trolls also aren’t likely to bump into each other on the street. Rosie Wheat Barmaid, blogger and boarder.
LATINO PARTY THIS SATURDAY AL RENT IES RT ROPE
P or cover f e back perties id s in See pro list of our full to rent.
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HERE TUES
LOOK T NE A ONLI .co.nz ac q . w ww WED
Cloudy with Often Cloudy with Occasional Rain Occasional Rain
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Occasional Rain. Strong Gusty Wind
JOHN RAVENS WEATHER Last week John was 94% correct
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Cloudy Periods. Cloud Increasing Light Winds with Few Showers
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Rain with Not Much Wind
Rain with Little Wind