Apr - 39rdth Feb Apr 2018 273thrdJan 2014
FIRST ON THE STREET
No No 434 644
LAKES WEEKLY BULLETIN
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7
IN O 8 SI BS D E
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It’s easy to get caught up with life in the Wakatipu and, given the almost constant flow of events that keep our economy ticking over, get suckered into thinking we are the centre of the Southern universe. However, this weekend was proof this is not so with a couple of large events that attracted tens of thousands to the South. Not Queenstown for a change, instead Dunedin and Wanaka took centre stage. We all pay our Otago Regional Council rates and a small fraction of those rates is earmarked for Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. Regionally we all benefit from it, even Queenstown over three hours’ drive from Dunedin. Despite all the noise from naysayers who have relentlessly bagged the worth of a covered stadium in Dunedin, we do benefit. Of course, to really benefit you must go and experience said stadium, like one of the three Ed Sheeran concerts held last week, or if you missed Ed, the All Blacks who are booked to play France at Forsyth Barr Stadium this June. Dunedin is quite rightly banging their drum hailing the next level success of the Ed Sheeran concerts. What an amazing asset for the region their stadium is. The envy of the country. Certainly, Christchurch will be desperate to finally see work begin on a similar covered stadium in the Garden City. Yes, such things come at a cost to ratepayers but for Dunedin it is a life saver for a city with so much to offer the wider region but so close to dropping off into economic oblivion.
Fede and Nico at the Remarkables Market, Easter family fun day on Saturday. (Photo: Jodi Walters)
It is clear Queenstown does not hold a monopoly on large scale entertainment in the deep South. The only detraction from the success of the stadium is the fact Dunedin has been dragging its heels on long overdue hotel developments. In short, there is nowhere to stay. Then on the other side of the Crown Range there is Warbirds Over Wanaka. Who would have thought an air show could be so good for so long. Sir Tim Wallis and other dedicated individuals 30 years ago had the vision, the resources and the commitment to make it happen. Now our whole region benefits from an influx of visitors willing to pay the big bucks for tickets and commute in to Wanaka from accommodation in Cromwell, Alexandra, Arrowtown and Queenstown. Why commute? Because like Dunedin, investors in Wanaka are equally as reluctant to build hotels. It seems the point of difference between Queenstown and our neighbours is hotel investor confidence. Other than that, Queenstown and Wanaka are much the same. With Dunedin and Wanaka equally capable of holding large events, Queenstown’s saviour or curse depending on which way you see it is the availability the hotel beds. This along with Queenstown Airport is our biggest contribution to regional economic development. Judging by the hunger of places like Dunedin and Wanaka to bring in regular hits of cash to their local economy’s through major events, Queenstown will need to get used to playing second fiddle from time to time and accept our hotel beds may well end up full of visitors spending the majority of their money elsewhere. Scott Stevens editor@lwb.co.nz
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RENTAL PROPERTIES
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TUES
WED
THUR
FRI
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SUN
Fine with high cloud. High cloud & the Fine, with some Cloud increasing, Morning cloud Cloud thickening, a high cloud. Gusty westerlies. odd spot of rain. a few showers few late showers. then fine.
MON
Rain with not much wind.