How stupid is the proposal to axe Queenstown’s free school buses? On a scale of 1 to so-dumb-it’s-painful, this takes the biscuit.
While the future of Queenstown’s entire under-pressure transport network relies on ‘modal shift’ - horrible council jargon for bus, bike or walk rather than drive - some absolute muppets at the Ministry of Education are looking at cuts to a service that already keeps cars off the roads. Something that actually works to reduce congestion. Hundreds of kids from Wakatipu High School and seven primary schools across the basin catch these buses. God knows how many SUVs that keeps off the school run. God knows how many hours a week this gives back to hard-working parents.
The idea is that children will catch the public bus service instead. But there will be very few parents who’ll happily wave goodbye to six-year-old little Johnny as he jumps on the Orbus packed with tourists and itinerant workers. Parents aren’t going to risk it. They’ll drive instead. So will many high school parents. Which means more congestion, longer commutes, more emissions, more frazzled parents, more sick days, as well as the knock-on costs to businesses of traffic delays, and, of course, more reputational damage for Queenstown as a tourist destination.
I’d say there must be some pencil pusher at the MoE, or even Education Minister Erica Stanford, capable of thinking ‘hold on, if we cut the school buses, we’ll only have to spend more on public buses and roads and bridges’. But it doesn’t work like that. Not my department. The public buses are funded by Otago Regional Council, QLDC and NZTA, while roads and bridges are funded on a ‘how hard can you beg?’ system.
It seems the grand plan is to push as much cost as possible on to the direct user and councils. Rather than a free service, which ultimately benefits society as a whole, parents will pay hundreds more dollars a year to get their kids to school by hook or by crook. If the roads get too busy - here’s some congestion charging! Anything to reduce the direct cost to Central Government.
What’s worse, the Government is also asking councils to boost the percentage of public transport operating costs covered by passenger fares, to 40%. So, the days of $2 buses and subsidised fares could be numbered. Worse still, this school bus decision isn’t being made with community input. The Ministry says it’ll consult with schools - not parents. Not the people stuck in traffic. Not the ones who’ll end up paying the price in fuel, time, and frustration.
Yes, anyone who’s happily cocooned in an SUV, rather than modal shifting, is to blame for the traffic. But at least give us a fighting chance. At least don’t cut services that are reducing traffic.
Paul Taylor, Lakes Weekly Bulletin
Parents Gisela Hardman, Bing Cantwell and Ruby Comboz manned the bake stall at the annual St Joseph’s School book fair on Sunday, which overall raised a whopping $38,000 for school funds.
Get ready for winter and grab a bargain at our Ex-Rental & Demo Sale
We’re clearing out skis, snowboards, snowboard boots, ski boots – and heaps of kids gear too Prices start from just $30
Whether you're upgrading your setup or just getting started, this is your chance to score quality gear at unbeatable prices
Come and check it out at SnowRental, 39 Camp Street, Queenstown
Queenstown’s ambition to become a global tech hub took a major leap forward this week.
Otago University has announced plans to partner with cybersecurity powerhouse Palo Alto Networks to develop and deliver cutting-edge programmes in digital defence in the resort town.
A master’s programme in cybersecurity is part of the proposals, while there will be short executive courses delivered in Queenstown within a year.
Queenstown’s cyber uni
by Paul Taylor
Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson confirmed last year that the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whākaihu Waka is planning to have a permanent presence in Queenstown Lakes going forward, mostly based around tech and innovation.
On Monday, at the start of Techweek25, he announced that the partnership with Palo Alto Networks is the first cab off the rank.
“Palo Alto Networks is not only the largest cyber security company in the world, but an innovative industry leader, which aligns perfectly with the ambitions of the University to be a renowned place of learning and discovery,” the former deputy prime minister says.
“This partnership solidifies our commitment to supporting the Queenstown Lakes region to become an international technology centre.”
Robertson says the partnership announcement, backed by Technology Queenstown, is the first of many Otago will make in the coming months.
“We have been busy collaborating with local people, businesses and other tertiary institutions and I look forward to sharing the outcome of that work in the near future.
“As we stated in October last year, we are building up our work and presence in Queenstown Lakes District. We want to be a part of the growth the region
is experiencing and to be a part of innovative partnerships that uphold research and teaching excellence.”
Palo Alto Networks partners with 3,300 universities, colleges and high schools, in 104 countries worldwide, who collectively form the Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Academy.
New Zealand Managing Director Misti Landtroop says: “By partnering with the University of Otago we see this as a strategic investment to help prepare students for a career in cybersecurity.”
The development of the new curriculum is underway and will need to go through the appropriate internal and external approval processes.
Otago Uni is also developing the Hākitekura property at Woolshed Bay, which it was gifted by the Jardine family.
Queenstown’s Host-Tech conference is happening this week. Read more: p8
Trustees appointed
Technology Queenstown’s parent organisation, Whakatipu Hangarau Trust, has appointed five new trustees to strengthen the strategic focus of the fledgling development agency.
Claudia Batten, Katrina Barry, David Downs, Prue Halstead and Dino Vendetti join the board, bringing a “remarkable balance of skills and international relationships that will be invaluable as we build out the sector over the decades to come,” chair Roger Sharp says.
Whakatipu Hangarau Trust will have up to eight trustees in total, including the Chair, with further announcements expected as the group becomes operational. It will support Technology Queenstown’s mission to build $1 billion in annual technology sector GDP in Queenstown Lakes District over the next 20 years.
Read more on lwb.co.nz
Otago University Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson
Countdown to winter 2025 begins
by Paul Taylor
Queenstowners will hit the slopes in less than one month, if the snow gods deliver.
NZSki is gearing up for a strong start to the 2025 winter ski season across its three skifields - The Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt - with staff arriving in town and groomers at the ready.
The Remarks and Coronet Peak are due to open on 14 June, while Canterbury’s Mt Hutt is on track to open for weekend skiing from 31 May, thanks to the major storm system that swept through Southern Alps earlier this month.
“We had 120cms of snow in that one storm,” NZSki boss Paul Anderson says. “It took 15 hours with two groomers working flat out to clear the access road at Mt Hutt. Once we packed it down, we knew it would hold.
“There’s still a month to go for Queenstown, so lots of time and cold weather on the way. We’re usually doing the snow dance right up until opening, but Coronet especially only needs a little to get going, and once we have those cold temperatures, we’ll have the snow-making systems ready to go.”
At Coronet Peak, the focus over summer has been a major snowmaking upgrade. NZSki has installed five new snow guns and also replaced ageing steel piping with long-life ductile iron pipes in cast concrete, used in largescale water infrastructure.
“There’s been a good million dollars’ worth of snow-making equipment going in there,” Anderson says. “We’re targeting areas where we know coverage can be improved and where new equipment will produce significantly more snow.”
The new-generation snow guns produce four to five times the output of the older models.
Meanwhile, The Remarks has received a fleet upgrade, with two new groomers - each worth around $800,000. There’s also $750,000 of new ski and snowboard rental equipment.
“That’s about a third of the rental equipment refreshed,” Anderson says. Sustainability is also a focus this year, with the company continuing to transition from diesel vehicles to hybrids. Six new hybrid utes and SUVs and two four-wheel-drive buses, a $600k a pop, have been added to the fleet. “The hybrids reduce emissions by around 10%, and they save fuel too, so it’s the right thing to do.” Anderson says. The new buses bring the total fleet to 36, helping reduce the pressure on carparks.
Gondola favoured for Doolans expansion
While winter 2025 is nearly here, much of the work over the summer months has been preparing the Fast-Track paperwork for the future expansion into the Doolans, the next basin over at The Remarks.
The project would almost triple the skiable area, expanding from 385 hectares to over 900ha, and increasing the ski field’s economic impact from
$150m per year to more than $400m, according to one study.
Early plans were for a ski tunnel through the mountain just below The Saddle, near the top of Curvey Basin chairlift.
But Anderson says the company now favours a major new 10-seat gondola over Helicopter Ridge, midway between Curvey and Sugar Bowl.
“It’ll be a 2.7km gondola that you can ride in either direction. You can either get off at the base station at the other end, or up on the top, so three stations,” Anderson says.
The plans will see a significant expansion of the current base building, rather than a separate major building in the Doolans.
Celebrating 40 years on the snow
This year also marks the 40th anniversary of The Remarks, with a spring carnival in late September to celebrate. “We’re going full 80s,” Anderson says.
“We’ve decked out the snow centre, and there’ll be events up the mountain and possibly a rail jam in town.”
With early snow on the ground, strong season pass sales, and Australian bookings on the rise, Anderson says all signs point to a big winter ahead.
“We’re ready - and we think it’s going to be a great season.”
Athletes honoured in sports awards
Snow sports athletes shone at the 2025 Forsyth Barr Central Otago Sports Awards, held at the Lake Wānaka Centre earlier this month.
Snowboarding star Zoi-Sadowski-Synnott was named sportswoman of the year while sportsman of the year was scooped by Wānaka’s freeski halfpipe star Luke Harrold.
Alpine skier Adam Hall who won para athlete of the year, while alpine ski race coach Nils Coberger was coach of the year. On the ice rather than snow, Sky City Stampede were team of the year, with Stampede’s Adam Nagy official of the year.
The annual awards, hosted by Sport Central, bring together 200 people from the region’s sporting whānau.
They celebrate sporting excellence as well as the spirit, passion, and people who make Central Otago a powerhouse of sporting talent, Sport Central sport and active recreation advisor Jo Knight said.
“The judges had an incredibly tough job this year, which reflects the calibre of talent in Central Otago,” Knight says. “The finalists seem to raise the bar every year.” - Wānaka App
There’s a full list of winners on lwb.co.nz
Mount Aspiring College senior student Ryan Enoka (athletics, karate and rugby) who won the junior spirit of Central Otago award. Photo: Image Central
The 80s are back in fashion at The Remarks this year, as the skifield celebrates its 40th anniversary
Paul Anderson
CRIMELINE
Woman punched in the head by man in Cow Lane
by Sue Fea
A 37-year-old Canterbury man has been charged with male assaults female after allegedly punching a woman in the head in Cow Lane, soon after 12.30am last Saturday, 10 May.
The victim did not appear to have known her attacker, who Constable Amanda Shute says allegedly swung his right arm and punched the woman in the head, holding her head down.
Shute says there had been a “physical altercation” in The Mall just prior and the victim, whose age was unavailable, and her friends, had tried to get away from the man. They made their way to Cow Lane where the alleged assault occurred until security staff from The Bunker intervened. It was not known whether the victim was local or visiting, or whether she required treatment for her injuries. The man will appear in the Queenstown District Court on 16 June.
Drink driver gets stuck in mud
Some good high-country mud helped Police net an alleged drink driver up Coronet Peak Road just before 9pm on Friday, 9 May.
Shute says Police were alerted after the 22-year-old local driver had left Cardrona Hotel and drove up Coronet Peak Road where he got his vehicle stuck in the mud. The man was breath tested, blowing 683mcg and had his licence suspended for 28-days.
Middle-aged driver blows 920mcg
A 54-year-old local man stopped by Police on Jack’s Point’s Jack Hanley Drive clocked the highest breath alcohol reading of the week – a very high 920mcg at 9.25pm last Saturday. The legal limit is 250mcg per litre of breath. Anyone between 250-400mcg gets an infringement notice, while those over 400mcg go to court. The man had his licence suspended for 28 days.
Drink driving
A 50-year-old local man was breath tested on Max’s Way, Lower Shotover, just after 9pm last Wednesday, 7 May, blowing 661mcgs after allegedly evading a Police alcohol checkpoint on Stalker Road, Shute says. His licence was suspended for 28 days, and he will appear in the Auckland District Court on 6 June.
A 30-year-old local woman also blew 496mcg when she was stopped by Police on Fernhill Road at 12.45am on Sunday, 11 May.
Mountain biker suffers moderate injuries
A mountain biker was taken to Lakes District Hospital in a moderate condition by St John Ambulance following an accident just after 5pm on Monday, 12 May. An Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter also attended but a St John spokesperson says the patient was transported by road.
Tramper airlifted from Upper Caples
The Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter also flew a tramper with a leg injury to Lakes District Hospital just before 4pm on Monday, 12 May, after Maritime NZ’s Rescue Coordination Centre received alerts from a registered personal locator beacon on the Steele Creek Track above the Caples River, west of Glenorchy. A Maritime NZ spokesman says the patient’s tramping companion accompanied them on the flight to hospital.
Drug operation investigation continues Police say their investigations are continuing after seizing multiple illicit drugs and around $45,000 cash following an operation targeting illicit drug dealing in Queenstown. A 39-year-old man is before the courts and Police still want to hear from anyone with information about the supply of illicit drugs and they’re vowing that they will continue to target the perpetrators. Anyone with information is urged to contact Police through 105, either online or by phoning. Information can also be reported to any local Police Station. Ketamine, cocaine, MDMA, LSD, cannabis, and psilocybin were located after the recent arrest, along with digital scales and the cash.
LAKES WEEKLY POLL
LWB regularly polls locals on issues affecting our region. This week’s responses are below.
Should locals be given parking permits for their street if parking laws change?
Yes - 86%
No - 6%
No opinion - 8%
Does Frankton need more dining options?
Yes, more options in general - 39%
Yes, more options for dinner - 17%
No, there’s plenty - 26%
I don’t spend time in Frankton - 17%
Does Queenstown need more schooling options? Yes - 51% No - 16% No opinion - 33%
Does the Events Centre need to expand?
Yes, we need more facilities for the community - 42%
Maybe, in the future but not now - 32%
No, this money can be better spent elsewhere - 26%
What’s your favourite part of Lakes Weekly?
My Life Story - 9%
Arts & Culture - 3% Jobfix - 2%
Community Notes - 6%
News - 27%
All of it - 50%
There were 155 respondents this week. If you would like to take part: you can sign up on the LWB Facebook page.
Host-Tech hits Queenstown
by Paul Taylor
Thirty-one technology companies will be exhibiting at Queenstown’s HostTech conference Expo Day this Thursday, with local workers invited to pop down and see the latest solutions.
Now in its second year, the conference runs across two days at Kingpin Queenstown, bringing together leaders in tourism, hospitality, finance and technology to explore the future of innovation and investment in the sector.
On Wednesday, there’ll be panel discussions, networking events and key note speakers, including Jo Hilson, Chief Technology Officer at Tourism Holdings Limited (THL), who will share her insights from two decades in digital leadership.
Then on Thursday, there’s the Expo Day, from 9am-noon, with breakout sessions, including speaker Nadia Ellis from AI consultancy Curiosity, who’ll discuss: Beyond the Chatbot: Rethinking AI for Tourism.
More than 200 attendees are signed up for the Wednesday and Thursday sessions, at the Queenstown Lakes District Council-backed conference, as it looks to diversify the economy.
Conference organiser Brad Rowe says the numbers signed up really validate the event.
“We ran it for the first time last year, and this year we’ve sold out of all the exhibitor spots and have national sponsors involved”, Rowe says. “It’s really about bringing that tourism and hospitality technology space to Queenstown, because if it’s going to be anywhere it should be here.”
Rowe points to companies such as First Table and Magic Memories, which started as a photo business at the Skyline gondola and is now a global company in thousands of locations world wide.
“We’ve got such a strong tourism and hospitality industry, and we’re good at solving our own problems.”
Rowe, who was one of the driving forces behind Skyline’s gondola mountain biking project, wants local workers and business staff to come down to the expo to see what’s on offer.
“The expo showcases tech solutions for business, for our tourism operators, our hospitality businesses, cafés and restaurants, hotels and motels,” he says.
“So, if there’s anyone out there frustrated with a process at work, who thinks it could be done better with tech, they should come down and see what’s on offer, test it out and get a feel for it.
“They don’t even have to be tech savvy, it can be a frontline worker or a manager who sees a possibility to do something in a more efficient or customer friendly way. And it’s also a good opportunity to see career pathways into technology.”
Rethinking AI
Nadia Ellis, who was marketing manager at RealNZ and Cardrona Alpine Resort before launching her AI consultancy Curiosity in 2023, will explore how AI can streamline admin and enhance human connection.
“When people in tourism think about AI, they naturally think about chatbots, but there’s so much more than that it offers,” she says.
“Tourism operators can actually use AI to put the human back into the equation - it sounds like a paradox, but in tourism we’re all so busy that if we can use AI to take away some of that repetitive admin work, we actually have more time to interact with guests and make a little magic.
“Chatbots are amazing but business leaders also need to look at the opportunities to improve processes behind the scenes, to mentor team members and understand big bodies of data and customer information.”
QRC also hosts AI for Business: Hospitality Edition, tailored to small businesses wanting to work smarter with limited resources, on the Thursday, while
offers a global take on emerging customer trends and how operators can respond.
FareHarbor
AI consultant Nadia Ellis
Bright ideas at the inaugural 2024 Host-Tech conference
Conference organiser Brad Rowe
Isha graduated from the University of Otago in 2009 with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and a Master of Business Administration. She spent several years practicing in Wellington, and then moved to Napier, where she owns two dental practices. Isha has recently moved down to Queenstown with her young family, and they’re all excited to experience a Central Otago winter.
Isha’s main interests in dentistry are oral surgery, aesthetics, crowns and orthodontics. There is a great deal of craftmanship that goes into treating, fixing and building dental solutions. When beautiful smiles are combined with happy patients, dentistry is an unbelievably rewarding profession to work in!
Isha is excited to see patients at Remarkables Dental! She works Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Our experienced hygienists also have appointments available Monday – Saturday. in!
GOINGS ON ABOUT
EVENTS - MUSIC - ART THEATRE - AT THE GALLERIES
Into the Woods
ARTS
Showbiz Queenstown invites you to step into the enchanted woods where fairy tales collide and reality bites. Join them for a magical journey as Cinderella, Jack, Little Red Riding Hood, and a childless baker navigate the darker side of happily ever after. With Stephen Sondheim’s iconic score and James Lapine’s witty book, Into The Woods is a cautionary tale of wishes, consequences, and the power of community. Experience the timeless magic, unexpected twists, and profound insights that have captivated audiences for decades. Get your tickets now and discover what happens when the woods whisper secrets and the characters must face their true selves.
When: Thursday, 15 – Saturday, 24 May
Where: Queenstown Memorial Centre, 1 Memorial Street, Frankton
Eby Sebastian: Memories and Melodies of a Home Unforgotten
Celebrate NZ Music Month at the library! Join Eby Sebastian for a moving performance of songs in Malayalam, Hindi, and Tamil. Through music, he explores themes of memory, identity, and belonging – tracing a path between past and present. Each note is a step closer to home, each melody a quiet echo of where he’s been and who he is. Bookings open now! frankton.library@qldc.govt.nz
With this beginner’s course you have a chance to combat your nerves while getting an excellent foundation in singing technique. You will learn all the basics; good breathing technique, increasing your vocal range, improving your tone as well as combatting those nerves. Work as a group and have a chance to develop your confidence and skills in a supportive environment. You will be preparing two songs as well as a group piece over an eight-week period. Each week you will sing out loud in front of a very supportive group and understanding teacher.
When: Weekly, starting Sunday, 25 May, 1pm – 3.30pm Where: Te Atamira, 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton
The International Storytellers Film Series presents: Vai
Filmed across seven Pacific nations – Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Kuki Airani (Cook Islands), Samoa, Niue, and Aotearoa (New Zealand) – ‘Vai’ is a stunning cinematic journey that celebrates the power of culture, connection, and community. Told through the eyes of one woman, Vai, portrayed by a different Indigenous actress in each country, this poignant film weaves a beautiful narrative of growth, empowerment, and identity. Produced and directed by an all-female team of Pacific filmmakers, ‘Vai’ is not only a visual love letter to the Pacific – it is a heartfelt exploration of belonging, tradition, and the ties that bind us to each other and our land. Admission is free but you will need to register through Humanitix.
When: Tuesday, 27 May, 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Where: The Rees Hotel, 377 Frankton Road, Queenstown
Discover Bitcoin: A Game-Changing Technology
Just like AI, Bitcoin is a revolutionary technology. While AI boosts efficiency and saves time, Bitcoin’s benefits – security, transparency, and empowerment – may seem less obvious at first. Explore these benefits in depth at this two-hour workshop, focused exclusively on Bitcoin as a technology. You’ll learn what Bitcoin is and how it works, how to read the blockchain in real time, practical use cases for Bitcoin in everyday life, how to avoid scams and pitfalls, and much more.
When: Tuesday, 20 May, 5pm – 7pm
Where: Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce, 19 Rees Street, Queenstown
Whakatipu Ski Club Event Centre
Ski Sale
Join Whakatipu Ski Club (WSC) for their annual snow sale. The community event enables individuals and families to buy or sell snow sports gear at affordable prices. Items for sale include skis, snowboards, boots and clothing for kids and adults. This is the Ski Club’s biggest fundraiser, run entirely by volunteers, every cent made out of the sale is used to help WSC provide a fun, safe and comfortable environment at the club lodge at Coronet Peak for families of the Whakatipu and beyond.
When: Sunday, 25 May, 10am - 12pm
Where: Events Centre, Joe Oconnell Drive, Frankton
Electrify Queenstown: Community Evening Sessions
Join Electrify Queenstown for an inspiring evening of kōrero, ideas, and practical solutions at the Electrify Queenstown Community Evening Sessions – a free public event designed to spark meaningful conversations about how we can power a cleaner, more resilient future together. This evening is for everyone –homeowners, renters, business owners, students, and curious minds. Whether you’re already on your electrification journey or just want to know where to start, come along and be part of the conversation.
When: Tuesday, 27 May, 6pm – 8pm
Where: Queenstown Events Centre, Joe Oconnell Drive, Frankton
Pink Ribbon Long Lunch
Join Mora Wines for their annual Pink Ribbon Lunch – a fabulous day out for an incredible cause! Mora Wines and Artisan Kitchen – one of Queenstown’s favourite lunch spots. $150, which includes a delish threecourse lunch and bubbles on arrival.
When: Friday, 30 May, 12pm - 5pm
Where: Mora Restaurant and Bar, 265 Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Road, Lake Hayes Estate
SPORT
SkyCity Stampede vs Auckland Mako
Watch the fastest team sport as SkyCity Stampede take to the ice for the NZIHL 2025 season taking on the Auckland Mako - can this country’s up and coming youth beat the Stampede? Get behind the team and make some noise.
When: Friday, 23 and Saturday, 24 May, 7pm – 9.30pm
Where: Queenstown Ice Arena, 29 Park Street, Queenstown
If you would like your show, event, exhibition or meeting promoted in Goings On drop us a line at info@qmg.co.nz with the details
1000 Issues
Monthly Column
Joseph Mooney MP for Southland
The upcoming Budget has plenty of things that will be of interest to our community, but in the interests of space in this column I’ll touch on just two.
We want all of our children to have a strong foundation in maths, and this Budget is investing nearly $100 million so children needing extra help with maths get the early intervention and targeted support they need to succeed at every stage of primary and intermediate schooling. This builds on Teaching the Basics Brilliantly and the Make it Count maths action plan to transform the teaching and learning of maths in New Zealand, as well as funding for structured literacy across all schools in New Zealand. We want our kids to have the foundational skills to travel confidently into a changing future, with 80% of Year 8 students achieving at or above curriculum expectations in reading, writing, and maths by 2030.
You can also count on Queenstown having a thriving arts and culture sector as it is now the second most creative city in the country, according to the Infometrics Creativity Index, ahead of Auckland.
Arts and culture adds a lot to the livability and connectivity of our community. What is maybe less well-known are the economic benefits it also generates.
New Zealand’s arts and creative sector contributed $16.3 billion to New Zealand’s GDP, or 4.3% of the total economy in 2023.
At a local level, venues such as Te Atamira are providing a space and programme of work and exhibitions that are helping give an outlet for Queenstown residents to engage with art and performance. It opened a little over three years ago and now has almost 2,500 people visiting every week.
On an international level Queenstown is building on its already significant reputation as a top location for small and big screen productions.
The area had some excitement recently with Brad Pitt in the area filming his new movie Heart of the Beast. A lot of the production was centred around Glenorchy and I am looking forward to seeing our region’s stunning scenery showcased to the world when the film is released.
A Remarkable Place to Die, also filmed in Queenstown, launched on ZDF in Germany last week with 2.5 million viewers and a 17.6% channel share, surpassing the channel’s average of 15%. It has now been a huge hit in Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the US. It is another fantastic advertisement for Queenstown and New Zealand.
Our Government is investing $577 million in this week’s Budget to support film and TV production, and ensure our country remains an attractive and internationally competitive location.
The International Screen Production Rebate scheme has worked well for us over the years, and we want New Zealand’s film industry to know the Government is backing them to grow into the future. Inbound productions invested nearly $7.5 billion in New Zealand in the past 10 years, supported by $1.5 billion in rebate payments. In most people’s books, that $6 billion differential is a great return on investment. New Zealand competes with more than 100 territories world-wide that provide screen incentives, including countries like Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom that provide more generous incentives than ours.
While industry incentives are not generally our favoured approach, the reality is we simply won’t get the offshore investment in our highly successful screen sector without continuing this scheme.
In another sign of confidence for the creative sector in Queenstown, the Ayrburn Screen Hub is one of the first two projects being referred by the Minister for Infrastructure, for the construction and operation of a film and television production facility on about 26 hectares of land between Arrowtown and Lake Hayes.
The Ayrburn film hub project can now move to the next stage in the Fast-track process by lodging substantive applications with the EPA to be considered by expert panels.
Queenstown looks set to strengthen its position as one of New Zealand’s most creative cities, with plenty of lights, cameras and action to add to our growing creative community.
HAPPINESS HOUSE
A registered charity assisting the Wakatipu area supported by funding groups, local businesses, organisations and individuals. 4 Park St, QT. Open Monday 10am - 4pm, Tuesday - Friday 9am4pm. Practical support for anyone in the community that requires assistance and fantastic OP shop. 03 442 6531 info@happinesshouse.org.nz | happinesshouse.org.nz
HOSPOGUIDE
FERNHILL ROAD, FERNHILL, QUEENSTOWN
$25 special Birra Tacos
Authentic Mexican food, open from 1pm
Silent Disco 3 DJs | 3 Channels | Free Entry $25 Special Chicken Parmi
Mitch EP from 9pm $25 Special BBQ Ribs
UKG ‘U know Garage’ from 9pm
F2F
QMTBC membership beer handles
Arts+Culture
A funny peek into the future
by Jessica Allen
Fast forward to 2030, what will the world look like? According to Heath Franklin, aka Chopper, humanity is all but wiped out and he’s the only one that can save us from the Softcockalypse. He’s bringing his comedy show to the Memorial Centre at the end of this month, where he’ll explain his plan to restart civilisation.
In case you’re not familiar with Mark ‘Chopper’ Read, he’s an Australian convicted gang member, who was quite the personality. He wrote a series of books about his life in the criminal underground, and had a movie made about him. One of his more notorious acts was getting a fellow prisoner to cut off his ears, so that he could get out of a division in the prison.
Gruesome history aside, Franklin’s rendition of Chopper requires no prior knowledge – it’s funny no matter how much you know about Melbourne’s underground figures.
“I jettisoned all the in-jokes and super references very early on, so you don’t need to know who Chopper is to come and see the show and enjoy it,” Franklin says. “I’d describe him as a scruffy, foul-mouthed bogan with mild tendencies towards violence.”
Franklin was last here about a year ago where he brought I’m Not Here to F*ck Spiders to Queenstown, now he’s returning with The Last Hard Bastard on Earth.
“It’s a totally different show. I had the idea ‘what if Chopper comes back from the future to try and warn us about the impending apocalyptic event of people being too soft, and they just need to harden up a bit?’ It just felt like it was fun enough and dumb enough that it could really be something.”
In the show, the world has collapsed under the weight of gentle parenting, 37 types of milk, and self-diagnosing whingers. But fear not – like a glorious moustachioed phoenix, Chopper has risen to restart civilisation.
The New Zealand shows come after a tour around Australia; Franklin says by the time he arrives all the teething problems will be worked out and we’ll get the best part of the show.
“I’ve always found that New Zealand audiences have a bit of a dark sense of humour. That clicks with me, that sort of making fun at the grim moments and mucking around with the macabre and all that kind of stuff. I think I’ve always really clicked with New Zealand audiences in that way.”
Getting into character is easier these days for Franklin, joking that it’s harder for him to get out of character and stop swearing as Chopper does. He says it’s always been his humour driving the attitude of the character.
“I figured out really early on that Chopper either loves things or he hates things, and the more you get bogged down in the nuance or grey areas, the swampier it gets. It’s very nice to have those parameters to work towards, instead of this open-ended, endless, what’s funny, kind of thing.
“I feel like at the moment we’re churning through this new phase of hypermodernity, where all these crazy new, ridiculous innovations come along, and you just need someone to point out how dumb they are.”
The best part of the tour for Franklin is getting to explore Aotearoa. Travelling around the country by car, he’ll get to take in the sights.
“I always love coming to New Zealand and driving around and doing shows – it’s such a lovely countryside,” Franklin says.
Heath Franklin’s Chopper – The Last Hard Bastard on Earth will be at Queenstown Memorial Centre on Thursday, 29 May at 7pm. Scan the QR code to grab tickets.
COMMUNITY NOTES
Te Atamira celebrates three years of creativity and connection
Last Friday, 16 May, marked three years since Te Atamira opened as a dedicated space for creativity and connection in the Whakatipu region. Since then, it has welcomed more than 2,500 visitors each week, growing into one of the most active venues in Aotearoa’s second most creative town.
In the past 12 months, Te Atamira has hosted more than 15 exhibitions featuring local, national and international artists, four festivals, 470 free community programme attendees per month, more than 100 children’s creative workshops, and hosted local and international performers including Louise Potiki Bryant, poets Tusiata Avia, artists Roka Hurihia NgarimuCameron and John Reynolds, actor/director Tearepa Kahi and contemporary art spaces like The Physics Room and Blue Oyster.
Responding to strong demand from the public, Te Atamira has significantly expanded its adult workshop offerings in the past year. Popular free Community Sing, Draw, and Dance classes have grown into a broader suite of creative workshops taught by local experts including Dianne van Brandenburg, Scott Kennedy, Tori Beeche, Jasmine Clark, and Christopher Barnhart, providing opportunities to explore creativity, develop skills, and connect with others.
“Our community tells us every day about how important access to creativity is for their wellbeing and sense of connection,” Director Olivia Egerton says. “We’re proud of what Te Atamira has grown into over three years - a place where art supports identity, celebrates diversity, and strengthens the fabric of this community.”
New and expanded educational partnerships have also flourished. A highlight includes the co-curated interactive elements of the Use Your Words exhibition in collaboration with Liger Leadership Academy in November 2024. Te Atamira continues to work with local schools, offering handson creative experiences aligned with curriculum outcomes - facilitated by specialist educators in a dynamic, professionally equipped creative space. Other major achievements from the past year include the launch of Te Atamira’s online store, supporting local artists and makers, and a growing volunteer programme. Collaborative projects with key arts organisations such as At the World’s Edge Festival, the Chartwell Trust, and the Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi have also helped strengthen the centre’s long-term resilience and impact.
This month sees the completion of phase one of Te Atamira’s new outdoor space, which now includes an outdoor performing area, a Raku kiln supported by the Wakatipu Potters Group, and shaded picnic areas for the community. Support has come from local businesses Reset Urban, Remarkables Park Town
Centre, TSA Riley, Queenstown Landscaping, Remarkables Park Limited and many more private supporters. Plans for phases two are underway, aimed at introducing new active zones.
“Te Atamira is a living, thriving, evolving space that reflects the heart of our region,” Kevin Bouchier, Co-Chairperson of Te Atamira, says. “None of this would be possible without the generosity of our founders and donors - especially through our Patron’s Programme - and the game-changing support of funders like Central Lakes Trust. Their investment has directly contributed to the creativity and connection we see every day. As we look to the future, we warmly invite others in our community to support and be part of this kaupapa.”
With the Queenstown Lakes District recently ranked the second most creative town in New Zealand according to the Infometrics Creativity Index, Te Atamira is proud to play a central role in advancing the value of arts and culture locally. As the region looks to diversify its economy beyond tourism, investment in creative infrastructure like Te Atamira supports a more vibrant, resilient, and future-focused community.
The public is warmly encouraged to visit, attend events and workshops, or follow Te Atamira online to be part of its next chapter. For more information visit: www.teatamira.nz/whats-on
From left - Arts Foundation GM Jessica Palalagi, The Chartwell Trust’s Karen Gardiner, Artist John Reynolds, The Chartwell Trust’s Sue Gardiner, Arts Foundation’s Jo Blair, Olivia Egerton and Lucy Jerram at the opening of Lyrics and Lines exhibition. Photo: David Oakley
Locals lending a hand helping bring Te Atamira’s new outdoor space to life during the Community Planting Day in April 2025. Photo: Te Atamira
Gorge Road westbound closure
To enable work on a section of waterpipe, the westbound lane (only) of Gorge Rd will be closed between Shotover St intersection and Weaver St until 6 June. Please follow the detour via Memorial St onto Robins Rd. QLDC’s Gorge Rd offices and library remain open with parking available nearby in Boundary St carpark. Full details at www.qldc.govt.nz/town-centre-arterial-road
Share feedback on our draft Annual Plan
We’re keen to hear your views – every voice counts! Community feedback is open until 30 May. Find out more and have your say at https://letstalk.qldc.govt.nz
Meet your Councillors
Your three Arrowtown-Kawarau Ward Councillors host ‘Share With Us’ sessions on the last Friday of each month (except public hols). They’re a great opportunity to meet your elected representatives, ask questions and share what’s on your mind over a cuppa and biscuits. Everyone’s welcome at Arrowtown Library, Friday 30 June from 11.00am-12.00pm.
Sign up for winter road reports
With temperatures dropping and snow on the hills we’re about to restart our winter road reports. Get a free daily overview in your inbox before 7.00am or check out Facebook @QLDCinfo. Sign up at www.qldc.govt.nz/winter-road-reports
Enrol to vote in October’s election
If you haven’t seen Orange Guy in your letterbox recently, you need to update your details! Anyone who didn’t get an enrolment pack is either not enrolled or the Electorate Commission doesn’t have the right address for you. This means you might not get your voting papers for the local elections later this year. It’s easy to get sorted – head to https://vote.nz/enrol
Last chance to Save our Stuff!
Got a clever idea for reducing waste or finding other ways to make use of stuff we normally throw away? Grants from QLDC’s Waste Minimisation Community Fund are available to help local groups, schools and businesses make a real difference. Applications are open until 25 May: www.qldc.govt.nz/wmcf
Free emergency text alerts
Do you know about QLDC’s free community text alert service? Just enter your number and the location(s) you’re interested in, and we’ll flick you a text about reserve closures, dangerous driving conditions or other emergencies affecting your community. Sign up at www.qldc.govt.nz/text-alerts
Woolworths for Ladies Mile
A Woolworths supermarket is coming to Queenstown’s Ladies Mile, but only once waters infrastructure is in place.
Woolworths New Zealand has submitted plans for a huge new supermarket on land on the northern side of State Highway 6, opposite the former Walker family property and Queenstown Country Club retirement village.
It will be about 3800sqm, with 220 carparks and bicycle parks, and accessed off the soon-to-be built new roundabout at the Howards Drive turn off to Lake Hayes Estate and Shotover Country.
Woolworths NZ property director Matthew Grainger says: “Woolworths New Zealand is pleased to announce it has applied for resource consent to build a new, state-of-the-art supermarket in the Ladies Mile area of Queenstown.
“The proposed store will provide a convenient shopping experience for the growing population, as well as for the existing residents of nearby Lake Hayes Estate, Shotover Country and surrounding areas.
“Located within the new Commercial Precinct, the proposed full-service store will include dedicated online pick-up facilities, along with retail and commercial spaces.
“Reaching this milestone is a positive step, and we look forward to collaborating with the Council as our application progresses.”
If approved, the supermarket at 475 / 476 Frankton-Ladies Mile Highway will form part of a huge new development on the northern side of Ladies Mile, including up to 2400 new homes, as well as a possible high school, shops and other amenities.
However, when the supermarket might open is not yet known. The applicant wants sufficient water infrastructure in place first, and so has applied for a 10-year window to open the store.
The supermarket giant operates Woolworths in Frankton and also FreshChoice on Gorge Rd.
New boss for Queenstown Airport
Queenstown Airport has announced its new CEO. Shane O’Hare will replace outgoing chief executive Glen Sowry, taking the reins in September.
O’Hare has more than 40 years’ experience in aviation, and has held a range of senior executive positions in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the USA, and Middle East, including appointments at Melbourne Airport, Qantas Airways, Etihad Airways, Royal Jet Group, and Star Alliance. He also founded a regional airline, Seair Pacific Airlines, an awardwinning tourism operation in Queensland, Australia.
He’s currently CEO and a board director at Launceston Airport, Tasmania, where he has led the airport through the recovery from the global pandemic and overseen key infrastructure delivery and customer experience projects, as well as record passenger numbers and network expansion. He also implemented a strategy to enhance non-aeronautical revenue.
He’ll be in the hot seat as ZQN delivers on its landmark 30-year masterplan, which includes a parallel taxiway and significant passenger number growth.
“The airport is entering an exciting phase, and I am very pleased to be joining the team,” O’Hare says. “I look forward to working with the board, executive, and wider team to deliver for shareholders and the community.”
O’Hare has also served on the boards of Tourism Tasmania and Visit Northern Tasmania, is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and holds an MBA from Bond University.
www.qldc.govt.nz
Queenstown Airport CEO Glen Sowry announced his resignation in October last year and will be leaving Queenstown Airport in June. The board of directors has appointed Todd Grace, Chief Operating Officer as Interim CEO for the period between June and September.
Shane O’Hare
- Wanaka - Otago
Looking for O ce
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Enquires at hello@easyadmin.co.nz
Phone: 021 0823 7381 www.easyadmin.co.nz
NEWS IN BRIEF
Petition’s media win
Queenstown Volunteer Fire Brigade secretary Katherine Lamont believes her Fighting for Fairness petition was such a success because it attracted widespread media attention up and down New Zealand. Lamont launched the petition in March after watching Kingston’s former volunteer fire chief Pete Ottley struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder. Signed by 36,000 people, the petition was presented to Parliament last week and read in the House. “I believe the reason it’s been so successful is because it was a Parliamentary petition with United Fire Brigades Association backing and it’s had huge support from the media up and down the country,” she says. “We’ve had a massive media response, all overwhelmingly positive, from tiny town newspapers who invited their local volunteers to comment to leading media and major radio stations. There wasn’t a day gone by that I wasn’t interviewed for six weeks and that shows the depth of feeling. This is a moral issue really.” Lamont says Ottley and his fiancé Cat Mercer have been “phenomenal”. “Pete’s been so brave sharing his story,” Lamont says. “That was the hardest part of this whole thing. He’s been a superstar.” The petition will now be referred to Parliament’s Petitions Committee. Submissions and further input may then be sought. - Sue Fea
Ultra-runner plans another shot at 50-year-old
record
Wānaka’s ‘marathon woman’ Victoria Taylor will attempt to break the record for the time it takes to run the length of New Zealand later this year. This will be the fourth time Victoria has attempted to break the record (18 days, nine hours and one minute) set by Ziggy Bauer in 1975. She will have to run approximately 130 kilometres a day. “I don’t think anything can stop me this time,” Taylor says. “I’m mentally tougher now.” Taylor gained local fame in 2023/2024 when she ran daily consecutive marathons around Wānaka’s streets for 498 days, stopping only when struck by influenza. She has just completed a run from Napier to New Plymouth (430km) and is organising other long-distance training runs in preparation for her attempt to break the NZ record. While in New Plymouth Taylor met 85-yearold Bauer, who said he believes she can break his record. “I’m chasing Ziggy’s record, he wants me to beat it,” Taylor says. When asked what advice Ziggy gave her, Taylor says “not to stop and eat the blackberries”. Taylor will attempt to break the record this spring. - Tony O’Regan / Wānaka App
Climate action – level up
“Climate action isn’t about being perfect, it’s about progress,” Wānakabased environmental engineer and climate ambassador Carly Green says. “It’s about the power of people and local communities, despite the politicians perhaps.” On World Environment Day, 5 June, Dr Green and Queenstown’s internationally-renowned climate scientist Dr Jim Salinger, who was 2024 New Zealander of the Year, will give a Catalyst Kōrero about climate change – the reality of it and creative, low effort ways that we as individuals and groups can make a difference. Attendees are welcome to send your questions in advance to climate@catalystnz.org and these will help frame the kōrero, as will questions from a session with Whakatipu Year 11 students. Thursday, June 5, 6pm-7.30pm, at The Rees Hotel Queenstown. Register to ensure your seat. Koha recipient is WAO, a Wānaka-based collective dedicated to a regenerative future, for Queenstown climate action events and educational programmes. (wao.co.nz)
More asbestos work
Queenstown Lakes District Council has applied for resource consent for asbestos testing and remediation on a 0.825ha site, 4 Cemetery Road, near Lakeview. The land is public reserve land between Lakeview and Brecon Street, at the bottom of Skyline hill. It was previous occupied by campground cabins. QLDC approved a $8.6 million budget to clear asbestos from the former campgrounds, as it prepared the site for Lakeview developers. This work is included in that budget, although the land is not part of the development site. “The work will be managed by specialist contractors with any contaminated material buried onsite as per industry guidelines,” a QLDC spokesperson says. “No contaminated material will be removed from the site which has been fenced off as a precaution while work takes place. Further testing will be undertaken during and after the construction phase to ensure all work meets the required specifications.” Council’s intention is ultimately for the reserve to provide an informal open space with connection from Lakeview through to businesses and tourist attractions on upper Brecon Street, and from there on into the town centre.
Without Waste set up head office in Queenstown
by Jessica Allen
Waste minimisation company Without Waste is setting up its headquarters in Queenstown. Founded in 2022 with the help of Global Games and Tyrone Campbell, he’s decided to move back here after 20+ years away and bring the HQ with him.
Since the organisation was founded, Campbell, and the team have worked with Ports of Auckland, Electric Avenue, and closer to home, Ayrburn. They’ll also be working with Snow Machine this year. It all started when Campbell was running the Global Games, which has been his main project for the last 18 years. He had worked with a number of waste providers and minimisation organisations when he met Kate Gislason, the founder of Without Waste.
“She was honestly the most passionate person I’ve ever met around rubbish in my life,” Campbell says. “We’ve worked with a lot of people in the industry and this woman just lives and breathes sustainability.”
When Campbell saw the good work Gislason was doing when they were a much smaller outfit, he invited her to more events before getting on board himself and the organisation has continued to snowball since.
The organisation is currently based out of Auckland and Christchurch –Campbell had lived here when he was a teenager and was wanting to move back to give his children an opportunity to live in this awesome spot. When he learned about Queenstown’s plans to go carbon zero, it was just all the more reason to make the move.
WATCH REPAIRS NOW
For all your repairs, watches, clocks, batteries, key cutting & straps.
Level One, Stratton House (Below Sky City), 24 Beach Street, Queenstown Mon - Fri, 9.30am till 5.30pm. Closed on Saturdays. Phone/ text: 027 217 0442
“We’re now focused on working with local businesses and leaders to support the Queenstown Lakes District’s bold goal of becoming a carbon zero alpine destination, one of the first in the world.
“I think we can work with what’s already in place here, the framework with the direction that the region’s wanting to go – we think that we can support that.”
While the organisation will continue to work around the country, the main centre and focus over the next few years will be Queenstown. Campbell’s wasting no time, already working on plans to get to the goal and reduce waste in the region.
“One thing that we’ve identified is tourism waste and the impact that tourism has in the region. For all its greatness and everything good that it does, there is obviously some pushbacks by a lot of locals around the impact that tourism has. We’d like to really target tourism waste minimisation.”
The focus will be working with hotels, restaurants, cafés and with the council to reduce waste. The fact that most of the community seem to be supportive of our sustainability goals makes Campbell’s job a little easier, too. When everyone’s on the same page, implementing positive change becomes less challenging.
“I think that Queenstown is really uniquely positioned because there’s a lot of alignment. We just want to get in behind and support that wherever we can,” Campbell says.
If you’d like to find out more about the work that the Without Waste team are doing in our region, or to reach out and learn more about how your business can work towards zero wate goals, head to withoutwaste.co.nz
QUEENSTOWN DHARMA CENTRE, 12 LAKE ST
TUE (20 May) @ 6.30pm, ‘Cultivating an Open Heart’ with Grant Rix SUN (25 May) @ 10am, ‘Cultivating Awareness Practice’ followed by ‘Social Sunday’
All are welcome.
Donations for the teacher/centre are gratefully accepted. See www.dharmacentre.org.nz / FB
New Frankton eat space to have local focus
by Jessica Allen
The doors to Pavilion Bar & Kitchens opened this week. With it, comes a focus on serving the local community – in addition to the two eateries and a softserve ice cream bar, the venue will host live music and includes private dining rooms for larger groups.
The hospitality hub is the brain-child of culinary maestro Sean Connolly, and brings a fresh, very welcome, approach to food in Frankton. With a capacity close to 300, it will help fill a gap in the market for elevated dining in the area. “Pavilion is all about simple, fabulous food with local provenance, heroing a range of outstanding ingredients from the region. We celebrate casually chaotic social dining, damn good food, and the simple joy of gathering around a table,” Connolly says.
Restaurants onsite include Steak & Oyster Co., which is Sean’s signature celebration of land and sea, inspired by old-school butchers’ shops. Serving up fine cuts of meat, the reverse-seared scotch fillet is slow cooked for 48 hours and flash seared upon ordering, so you can enjoy it in a hurry. There’s also fresh oysters, salmon, T-bone steak and more, all prepared to perfection.
Ciao Brutto is the wood-fired pizza and pasta eatery. The name is an Italian term of endearment amongst old friends, translating affectionately as ‘hello ugly.’ All doughs for the pizza and pasta are prepared fresh daily at the onsite dough room, resulting in dishes bursting with flavour.
The dining area is a lovely place to relax and unwind – two huge pizza ovens form a stunning centre piece, and local-stone fireplaces are scattered throughout. The Pavilion Bar serves up wine, beer, spirits and house-crafted cocktails.
Pavilion Bar & Kitchens will include indoor and outdoor dining areas, and will open everyday from 7.30am – 11pm.
Letters of the week
Re: Milestone for Queenstown’s Private Hospital (6 May)
Southern Cross Central Lakes Hospital’s 4000 surgeries represent a huge achievement: Timely access to quality healthcare right here in the Central Lakes region.
To be clear, unlike other private healthcare providers who are driven by commercial motivations, Southern Cross Central Lakes Hospital has a different model.
We are not-for-profit. We have no shareholders, nor dividend expectations. We reinvest all surpluses into the hospital, our staff and into providing healthcare for this community. We are owned by Central Lakes Trust and Southern Cross Health Trust, both charities.
We welcome discussion about the future of healthcare in the Central Lakes region, but it must distinguish between private healthcare models built for profit to enable returns to shareholders and those, like Southern Cross Central Lakes Hospital, which are not.
With 50% of our patients referred from Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora and ACC, we are truly supporting the public system while enabling local access to healthcare.
That’s what we were set up to do, and it’s working. Any other capitally funded private provider will have to operate at a cost that local users will undoubtedly have to help pay for.
Mark Taylor - Chair, Southern Cross Central Lakes Hospital
School bus cuts
It seems completely absurd to me, that they would even consider cutting school buses.
Queenstown is experiencing unprecedented growth & traffic congestion. This will mean so many more cars on the road, and making working parents’ days even shorter than they already are in a town where cost of living is arguably at an all time high.
I am completely flummoxed that this is even being considered and would never EVER consider putting my 5 & 8yo on public buses (as they are now). Our local Arthurs Point primary school bus is overflowing most days with three to a seat.
I’m grateful to Dennis Behan for being the whistle blower on Facebook, he obviously has some inside intel. I don’t believe it’s ’fake news’, it’s pretty clear they are considering cuts. The outrage is felt strongly across our community.
Kylee De Suza Account Manager 021 044 2968 | kylee@qmg.co.nz
Patricia W. Becker Graphic Designer
Kanika Sethi Finance
Paul Taylor Editor/Journalist
Sue Fea Journalist
Jessica Allen Journalist/ Content coordinator
How about a donation to the Lakes District Hospital, desperately, desperately in need of funding. There’s a whole wing to the left of the hospital empty, I may be wrong, perhaps it’s underway but I don’t think there’s enough money to do anything with it.
Imagine what even a mere $1 million could do. Could we get another MRI or Xray Machine, could we upgrade those empty rooms for better use, could the already stretched emergency rooms be expanded?
I know it’s perhaps a little more complicated than that - but surely a donation would make a difference and health could come above all else.
Anon
QLDC Libraries
Librarian Profile
Kia Ora!
Lakes Weekly Bulletin and Queenstown Lakes Libraries are profiling our librarians. This month we are profiling Lili Owen, who is the Adult Services Librarian at Queenstown Library.
Kia ora koutou, hello everyone! My name is Lili Owen and I am the Adult Services Librarian at Queenstown Library, having stepped into the role late last year. I am responsible for coming up with cool events and programmes targeted towards adults; recently we’ve had book launches, author talks, AI intro sessions, pop-up libraries, Book Club (third Thursday every month), Creative Writing Group (fortnightly Thursdays), Shared Reading (great for those of you who want to practice your English in a relaxed space), microfiction writing workshops and more! There’s always something interesting happening at the library and I love being part of making those things happen. Coming up in May and June we have some super cool workshops. Make sure to check out our What’s On page (qldclibraries.govt.nz/whats-on/) so you don’t miss out.
I am also the Interlibrary Loans Librarian for the Whakatipu. When we don’t have a book in the collection, you can submit an Interloan Request, and I will try to source that book for you from a library elsewhere in the country. I also send our books to other libraries when their patrons request something they don’t own. If we don’t have a book you want, you could also submit a Purchase Suggestion, which goes to our fabulous Collections Team. This
Book Recommendations:
process is a little slower than Interloans but more cost effective (i.e. free!).
Outside of work, I’m a keen reader of all genres and formats but with a particular penchant for sci-fi/fantasy. That said, I’m currently raiding our library collection for books about interior and landscape design as my partner & I have recently bought our first home, so we’ve been going a bit bonkers painting fun colours everywhere we possibly can. When I’m not busy corralling two little black cats away from the paint trays, I enjoy riding bikes, eating Whittaker’s, drinking tea and playing boardgames – HUGE fan of Carcassone... did you know our libraries have a brilliant boardgame collection? My background is in screenwriting but I’ve gone back to university after a many year break, studying a Post-Graduate Certificate of Information Studies with a focus on Library Science. I’m keen to be a better librarian so that I can better serve our local community, and I think this is a good step in the right direction. Anyway, enough about me. Here’s what you’re looking for: the book recommendations. Get amongst it and enjoy!
Devotions: the selected poems of Mary Oliver
This is a delightful collection of poetry that I find myself turning to again and again, whenever I’m in the need of a pick-me-up for my soul. Oliver has a way with words that few others do; combine that with astute observations of the natural world and you’ve got Devotions. 10/10 from me.
Super bloom: a field guide to flowers for every gardener by Jac Semmler
Now this is a BEHEMOTH of a book. Gorgeous endpapers and full-page spreads about more types of flowers than you could possibly imagine! 10/10 from me.
Seaweed: foraging, collecting, pressing by Julia Bird & Melanie Molesworth
I’d never before considered that seaweed could be art but I now see the potential! 8/10 from me.
Young Hag by Isabel Greenberg
A fun, beautifully illustrated, coming-of-age graphic novel. Great if you’re into British magical history, feminism, witchcraft and family. 7/10 from me.
Map for the heart: Ida Valley essays by Jillian Sullivan Sullivan’s words are just so evocative; the ease with which she can bring to your mind the sights, sounds and smells of Central Otago is unparalleled. I’d also strongly recommend her other book, ‘A Way Home’, about building a strawbale home. 10/10 from me for both books.
Bold types: indie bookshops of Aotearoa New Zealand by Jane Ussher
This is a book for book people. A marvellous tribute to 32 truly independent bookshops throughout Aotearoa. 9/10 from me.
How to break up with your phone by Catherine Price
We’re all far too dependent on these little pocket time voids. I loved this book and enjoy re-reading it from time to time, whenever I feel like I’m losing too much of my life to my phone. 8.5/10 from me.
Going Postal by Terry Pratchett
There’s no way I can finish this profile without a P.Terry recommendation chucked in here. This is one of my all time faves in the Discworld series; the movie is great too. 11/10 from me.
Lost & Found
LOST & FOUND
UNFORTUNATELY SOMEONE FELT COMPELLED TO take a little souvenir home from our church. The round wrought iron handle has been taken from the front door of the stone church. The church is 130 years old and items like these are irreplacable. If you have seen it or know anything else about this please get in touch. No questions asked, we would just be so grateful for its return. You can call Tina on 021 1563564. Thank you so much, St Peter’s Anglican Church.
ACCOMMODATION
1. Baby Love and You Can't Hurry Love – which Motown queens ruled the '60s charts?
2. According to New Order, which day of the week turned a shade of blue?
3. Chuck Willis was often billed as 'The King of….'?
4. Complete Macklemore's 2013 anthem that turned thrift stores into hotspots: 'Thrift...'?
FURNISHED SINGLE ROOM FOR RENT in Hanley’s farm, $300 per week plus monthly power/internet bill split equally. Not a party house, no smoke/vape. Looking for a clean, respectful person, Text Ann at 0212018761.
LOOKING FOR TIDY AND RESPONSIBLE individuals. Property is located close to town (~5 mins walking distance). Rooms are semi furnished. Please text 0278653761 for more details.
NEWLY ESTABLISHED NOT-FOR-PROFIT BABYWEARING QUEENSTOWN is looking for baby carrier donations for the community baby carrier library we are building. Contact to arrange donation babywearingqueenstown@gmail.com and thank you for your support!
WHAKATIPU BEEKEEPERS SUPPORTING LOCAL BEEKEEPERS with sharing knowledge, mentoring and maintaining best practice. Most importantly a group of likeminded individuals who love bees. Meeting regularly, for more info or to join us whakatipubeekeepers@gmail.com
NEW TO THE AREA OR got more time on your hands & looking to give back to your community? Altrusa International Qtwn is looking for volunteers just like you to join our women’s charitable & service organisation supporting our local community. Want to know more? Email: president.queenstown@altrusa.org.nz or message us on Facebook.com/AltrusaQueenstown
WSCA – ROOMS FOR HIRE - Spacious, sunny rooms are available for hire to Queenstown Community Groups. The rooms hold up to 90 people, with seated dining for 40. Located on the 1st floor of Malaghan House, 10 Memorial Street, Queenstown with lift access. There are kitchen facilities, toilets, Wi-Fi, media equipment for projection onto large screen plus large screen TV. Contact us on 03 4429214 or info@wsca.org.nz for more details.
EVERYTHING ELSE
Community Everything Else Accommodation
NEVER BIN A BATTERY. THEY cause fires if damaged so keep them out of all rubbish and recycling bins. Safely recycle your batteries and electronic devices at Wānaka & Frankton Transfer Stations.
CALLING FOR SNOW VOLUNTEERS TO support our Adapative program at CP & RE. Our Adaptive Information evening is this Wednesday May 21st 5pm-7pm 2nd floor of the station building And our on snow Training Days at RE 9am-3.30pm Sat 14th June & Sunday 22nd June you only need to attend one of these.
5. Bertha Franklin shot and killed which 1950s star?
6. Dive into adventure! The World Aquatic Security Patrol belonged to which splashy series?
7. Who was the suave first James Bond to shake things up in the '60s film series?
8. Who had a 1950 Number 1 hit with 'The Thing'?
9. Which timeless TV show kept the laughs rolling with its classic humour in 2023?
10. Which pop singer whipped up a successful cocktail recipe book in 2023 after stirring up drama on TV?
11. Which pop star's evolving love life inspired her hit song lyrics during her 2023 tour?
12. Which Kardashian sister was juggling fashion collabs and sizzling relationship rumours in 2023?
13. Which high-energy Australian band hit the charts with 'Are You Gonna Be My Girl'?
QUIZ ANSWERS:
1. The Supremes | 2. Monday | 3. Stroll | 4. Shop | 5. Sam Cooke |
6. Stingray | 7. Sean Connery | 8. Phil Harris | 9. The Simpsons | 10. Ariana Madix | 11. Taylor Swift | 12. Kim Kardashian | 13. Jet
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
jobfix.co.nz
Delivery Drivers
Bidfood Queenstown is currently looking for Delivery Drivers for our busy winter season. This is an excellent opportunity to join a stable and highly respected company within the hospitality industry. We offer a competitive remuneration package, consistent hours and staff benefits.
Key responsibilities include delivering goods to our customers around the Queenstown and Wanaka region. This position requires individuals to be physically fit as there is frequent heavy lifting of up to 25kg. Candidates will be required to hold a valid NZ Driver’s License to be eligible for this position. Previous experience delivery driving is preferable but not essential as full training and appropriate PPE will be provided.
Applicants must be able to provide references and must be eligible to work in NZ to apply for this role.
Please send your CV to HR.Queenstown@bidfood.co.nz
VACANCIES
ACCOUNTANT
Accountants for Queenstown, Cromwell and Wanaka
We are seeking experienced accountants to join our team and make a signi cant impact on the Central Otago accounting landscape. As part of our high-performing team, you will value hard work and life balance. We o er exibility and are open to considering hybrid solutions that work for both you and the business.
Our rm combines the exibility of a local practice with the expertise, global network, and strength of a large-scale international rm. Our exceptional client service is delivered through our dedicated team. Why BDO?
At BDO, we pride ourselves on being a fantastic employer. We believe in helping people achieve their professional and personal goals. Our culture is built on thriving teams who focus on tomorrow and doing the right thing for our people and clients.
Before applying, please ensure you have the right to live and work in New Zealand.
Contact: David Crossan David.crossan@bdo.co.nz
enquiries@qmg.co.nz
Electrician Required
Myelectrician is requiring an Electrician to join their small Queenstown team.
Please call Myell on 021 857 267
-Full time or part time role
-General Business operations
-Multiskilled multitask Client Liaison
-Flexibility on hours and location of work
Please email C.V to otagofixers@xtra.co.nz
Employment opportunity for P.A support role
Fixed Term Learning Assistant (teacher aide)
Fixed term - 14th July to 8th August (4 weeks) 25 hours per week during school hours
The position is primarily assisting international students (aged 5 to 12) in class and supporting the teaching team to ensure a fulfilling experience for our international students whilst enrolled at KingsView School.
• The ability to communicate in Mandarin is essential.
• An ability to follow direction and work as part of a team is highly desirable.
• Candidate must be willing to uphold our special character. Pay rate depends on skills and experience. The successful candidate will be required to undertake police vetting.
Please send CV and cover letter to the office manager office@kingsview.school.nz
Closing date Friday 13th June.
Ph: 03 409 2800
enquiries@qmg.co.nz jobfix.co.nz
Paper Plus Queenstown Airport is looking for a fun, reliable and responsible person to join our team. Retail experience is a plus, but not necessary. It is important you are able to work in a busy team environment. The role is five consecutive days a week including weekends.
If you think this sounds like you, please send your CV to queenstownairport@paperplus.co.nz
Shift Leader / Duty Manager
Work winery hours and learn about wine. Great staff benefits and training and an awesome team.
Apply to hr@kinross.nz
Hunter Construction Queenstown
Looking for experienced builders/ contractors for high end residential work in Queenstown.
Finance Team Member
We have a fantastic opportunity for a proactive and enthusiastic person to join our head o ice finance team based in our Queenstown o ice. You will have excellent attention to detail, be level-headed and have great problem-solving skills.
We are looking for someone who will manage and report data to aid strategic decisions, control management, and process optimisation. This will be with the goal of identifying areas for continuous business improvement.
You will be willing to provide support when needed and communicate well with key stakeholders within the business. We are looking for a driven and motivated individual with a willingness to learn, the ability to think beyond the job at hand to see the bigger picture.
Our ideal candidate will have great analytical skills, database skills and so ware management skills. Previous experience in an accounts-based role & or a qualification in this field is desirable and full on the job training will be provided.
Flexible working hours can be considered for the right candidate. You must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Send CV’s to: annette@steapconsulting.co.nz
We have a number of positions for Ski & Snowboard Rental Staff for the coming season.
Previous experience in the Winter sports industry is preferred.
Email CV & references to apply jobs@snowrental.co.nz
WALTER PEAK HORSE TREKKING GUIDES
Both full & part-time positions available. Awesome job opportunity for someone that loves both horses & the outdoors.
• Must have experience with horses, be hard-working, energetic with exceptional customer service.
• Current First Aid Certificate required OR the ability to obtain one.
• Prepared to work weekends.
• Fluent English required
Please send a CV to Lloyd.brown@xtra.co.nz
VACANCIES
Trade Counter Sales
• Great company culture
• Fast-paced environment
• Full-time, long-term position
• Monday – Friday only
• No previous experience required
If you understand Service and have an exceptional work ethic then please get in touch.
simon.ryder@harrisonbloy.co.nz or phone 0275 333 006
Winery Sous Chef
Exciting opportunity to join our awardwinning team. Assist our head chef in further enhancing our restaurant's esteemed reputation for seasonal, winepaired menus and casual dining in our new cellar door.
Must have legal working rights in NZ to apply.
Please send resume and cover letter to kitchen@carrick.co.nz
REQUIRED
Skilled and Unskilled Labourers
Traffic Controllers
Looking for casual, temporary or long term work??
Queenstown Personnel and Labour Hire are looking for labourers for a variety of jobs around Queenstown with an immediate start. Contact Sharleen - 027 778 7377 or email sharleen@qtplabour.co.nz
Lighting Plus Queenstown Part-Time Salesperson
Would you like to work for one of the top, 100%NZ owned specialist lighting retailersin the country?
What we are looking for:
• Adynamic salesperson to join our team.
What we can offer:
• 26.5 Hours per week
• Positive company culture
• Team/Individualbonus
• Ongoing supportive training
For more information and to apply please go to: www.lightingplus.co.nz/careers
