Firstly, thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the recent Queenstown Lakes District Council insights survey. Your feedback is appreciated and essential to improving not only our performance but also identifying areas where we will improve outcomes for all parties. We’re grateful to the community for the constructive feedback, which enables us to participate in constructive, solution-focused conversations.
Five key themes came through strongly. Prioritising infrastructure and core service improvements, addressing concerns regarding transparency, equitable investment in facilities across the district, the importance of trust and transparency, strengthening environmental initiatives and improving communication and engagement featured prominently throughout your responses. These are significant issues, and your thoughts will help guide our approach moving forward.
Prioritising infrastructure spending is a top concern. Where your money is going? How we determine priorities, and why they are fair, are fair questions. We are committed to improving the way we communicate the “why” behind the decisions that affect our roads, three waters infrastructure, and the provision of solid waste. These five items currently account for approximately 90% of our capital expenditure over the next 10 years. The current population distribution across the district is directly comparable to the planned investment. We understand that how we spend, is essential to you. In return, you rightly need to trust the process.
QLDC and the Elected Members acknowledge that how and when we engage with you needs to evolve. We are working on ways to enhance our communication, providing more timely, accessible, and two-way communication. Communication is a priority area for us, and your feedback is helping us improve transparency and keep our communities better informed.
We also recognise that trust in local government is something that must be earned and maintained. You want to know that your elected members are working in the best interests of the community. That’s the expectation we hold ourselves to. Your survey responses reinforce how vital that standard is but also encourage us not to be afraid to stand by the positive work we are doing and to recognise when we don’t quite get it right.
Finally, I want to acknowledge our incredible QLDC staff. They are your neighbours, friends, and fellow residents, working hard every day, under significant pressure. They are navigating complex government reforms, tight budgets, growing demand, and constant scrutiny. They do this because they care deeply about where we live, and we are proud of the job they do.
Glyn Lewers, Queenstown Lakes Mayor
Thousands of revellers danced the night away at Mardis Gras Queenstown 2025 at the Events Centre on Saturday. Top DJs and crazy costumes made it once again the hottest ticket in town for the Matariki long weekend. Photo: ADM Photography
Government rolls out school growth
Queenstown primary school Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau is set to expand thanks to a multi-million boost from Central Government.
The new building at the Hanley’s Farm school will be able to accommodate 12 classes of pupils, around 300 youngsters. That will take the school roll to 750 pupils with a future expansion to more than 1000 planned.
Education Minister Erica Stanford was in Queenstown on Thursday to announce $27 million in funding for the Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau project and also a six-class teaching space at Dunstan High School.
The investment is in addition to the purchase of a site at Ladies Mile in Queenstown last year, which will accommodate a new primary school in the area.
“Queenstown in particular, has had strong and steady growth over the last decade, and we are committed to ensuring they are equipped to teach the basics brilliantly,” Stanford says.
“Planning for the two growth projects is underway and is expected to begin in the next 12 months. This means that students, families and the Otago community can benefit sooner.”
The Minister says funding for the construction of the new primary school at Ladies Mile will be considered in future years.
“Securing the land at this time means that we will be able to hit ‘go’ on construction when capacity is needed.”
The use of standardised building designs and offsite manufacturing have lowered the average cost of a classroom by 28%, she adds, allowing 30% more classrooms to be delivered last year compared to 2023.
Queenstown’s National MP Joseph Mooney has welcomed the early funding, saying the expansions reflect both the schools’ success and the strong population growth in the area.
“This is great news for students, parents and educators, as it means more students have access to a better fit for purpose learning environment,” Mooney says. “Parents can feel confident that our local schools are equipped to meet the needs of our growing community.
“Both schools have experienced growth in their student rolls. Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau has expanded rapidly since opening in 2022,
with 340 students enrolled in 2024. Dunstan High School has also seen an increase, reaching 599 students in 2024— its highest roll since the Clyde Dam was built in the early 1990s.”
Construction for these projects is expected to begin within the next 12 months.
There’s no news yet on a new high school site, however, or expansion of Wakatipu High School.
Education Minister Erica Stanford and Southland / Queenstown MP Joseph Mooney with school staff at the announcement on Thursday
Restoring the reserve or developing protected land?
by Paul Taylor
A community group opposing plans for major developments around Ben Lomond says shipping more than a million people up the mountain each year is “completely unsustainable”.
Bowen Peak Ltd, owned by Australian-based cancer surgeon Dr Guy Hingston, wants Fast Track consent for a $200 million-plus development between the One Mile Roundabout, Ben Lomond Saddle and Bowen Peak. Last week, the company launched a website further detailing the plans, which include a two-track funicular railway, new commercial ski field, 1500-delegate convention centre, wildlife sanctuary, outdoor education centre, a new 1300-property suburb, and associated developments.
The company says it will lead the way in “restoring Te-taumata-o-Hakitekura Ben Lomond Reserve’s birdlife, native forest and freshwater eco system” to the “pre-pakeha state”.
But Forward Whakatipu, a group of locals representing mountain bikers, hikers, runners, and families, says despite the “glossy branding and claims of restoration”, Bowen Peak Ltd’s plans are a “commercial development on protected land”.
“It sets a dangerous precedent for fast-tracked developments on scenic reserves, where private profit is prioritised over long-term community wellbeing and the environment,” Callum Wood, speaking on behalf of the seven-member board, says.
“Over-development in this fragile alpine environment will disrupt biodiversity, destroy native habitats, impact our local waterways, and put even more pressure on Queenstown’s already strained infrastructure. Shipping an additional 1.1 million people to the Ben Lomond Saddle each year is completely unsustainable for the area.”
More than 2400 people have now signed Forward Whakatipu’s petition against the plans, on change.org.
The project is being advanced under the government’s controversial FastTrack Approvals Bill, which sees applications assessed by an expert panel and approved by ministers, rather than going through the usual council-run resource consent process.
But the application has not yet been selected - it still needs to be referred to the pathway by Minister Chris Bishop.
Forward Wakatipu says if it is Fast Tracked it will be “pushed through without proper public consultation or environmental oversight”.
“We want to ensure our natural landscapes are protected, our water resources safeguarded, and that planning decisions are made transparently — with genuine input from the community and mana whenua.”
University of Otago alumni Hingston, meanwhile, has declined to comment until Bishop makes a decision. He is, however, asking for community feedback via feedback@bowenpeak.co.nz and plans to have meetings with iwi, council and the community.
The website details that Bowen Peak Ltd is a family-owned company, with Matthew Hingston the Development Manager. The family have owned a property in Fernhill since 2013, and have been visiting Queenstown since 1985.
“We acknowledge the maunga (mountains) and ngahere (forests) around Tahuna Queenstown are vital, living taonga that should be protected and preserved,” it reads.
“Our proposal seeks to appropriately source ongoing funding – not from local rate payers or Aotearoa New Zealand taxpayers – but from international visitors to Tahuna Queenstown, to drive the longer term funding for our planned multi-faceted development to continue ‘Restoring the Reserve’.”
The plans include:
• Powerhouse Funiculars or gondolas that will ferry 1.1m people per year from One-Mile to Ben Lomond Saddle
• A 1500-seat convention centre, 500-space car park, retail and hospitality complex at the base terminal in One Mile Recreation Reserve
• A six-seater chairlift and new commercial ski field on Bowen Peak
A new Fernhill Heights suburb with 1040 apartments and 270 chalets on 56 hectares of privately owned land next to the reserve
• A outdoor education centre and public shelter, including 60 bunk beds, a cafe and toilets, on the Ben Lomond saddle
• A 200-hectare fenced predator free sanctuary in One Mile Creek valley, akin to Wellington’s Zealandia
• Wilding pine removal, starting with a $300k logging contract to remove exotic trees below the Fernhill walkway
•New One Mile Creek walkway
Winter rush inbound
Queenstown Airport is warming up for the winter rush of around 750,000 passengers over the next few months.
Australian families began flying in for their school holidays late last week, while another surge is expected when New Zealand school holidays begin on 28 June.
Winter Pride from 15 August and the Snow Machine festival early in September will also bring extra visitors to Queenstown.
About 248,000 passenger movements* a month are expected in July and August, and about 226,000 in September. [* arrivals and departures totalled]
There will be an average of 65 flights a day between 5 July and 31 August.
“We’re always excited to welcome visitors for their winter holidays,” Interim Chief Executive Officer Todd Grace says.
“It will be snug in the terminal, but our operations team is well drilled, and the buzz these peak-season travellers bring is a real boost for the region.”
Last year, the airport recorded 235,000 passenger movements in July and August, and 210,00 in September.
Air New Zealand recently announced it will switch from the Airbus A320 to the larger A321neo aircraft on the Auckland-Queenstown route from July to November, and it will also add one flight, increasing capacity by a total of more than 19,400 seats.
The Australian airlines have also added extra flights for winter.
The busiest day is likely to be Sunday, 20 July, when more than 5,000
passenger movements are expected. The final day of Winter Pride, Sunday, 24 August, will also be a big day.
Grace is asking travellers and members of the community to be courteous to airport staff.
“Our team is here to help you. A little patience and kindness will make everyone’s day go more smoothly.”
CRIMELINE
Supermarket thieves target the ‘nice to haves’
by Sue Fea
Persistent thieves have been hitting local supermarkets and petrol stations across the Queenstown Lakes District, many just unable to resist that sweet chocolate treat or high-end Bluff oyster.
Retail theft has increased markedly around Queenstown and Wānaka during recent months and acting prevention manager for Queenstown Sergeant Simon Matheson says the culprits are across all demographics and include locals, New Zealand visitors and overseas visitors.
“They’re paying for the necessities like fruit, milk and bread, but taking the nice to haves,” Matheson says. “They’re leaving without paying for extras like chocolate and high-end oysters concealed in recyclable shopping bags, or inside jackets, or pockets.”
Increasing numbers of motorists have also been scarpering from local petrol stations and driving off without paying in what’s become a growing trend, he says. Matheson says it’s unclear why there’s been such an increase in the past three months. “It’s gotten cold, but town’s not busy and we’re not overrun with domestic or overseas tourists.” He was unsure whether the cost of living was a factor.
Last week he put out a call for the public to report any suspicious or unusual behaviour at retail outlets. “If you see someone leave without paying tell the store staff or attendant, rather than trying to approach them yourself,” Matheson says.
He also warned anyone thinking it was okay to steal a few extras that Police are taking this problem seriously.
“People sometimes think it’s only a small amount and this is a big supermarket, but when it’s an increase across the board like that the supermarkets are losing a lot,” he says. Items stolen range from $20 worth to several hundred dollars. “In the past we’ve had people leave with full trolleys laden with $400 to $500 worth of groceries.”
He’s warning surveillance and security systems are very good now at detecting theft. “We’re looking at every incident and when we have footage and registration numbers. Where we can we will take action.”
The consequences range from being let off with a warning if it’s at the minor scale and those responsible are remorseful and willing to pay, to diversion and facing charges in court.
Police net drugs after suspicious early morning behaviour
Suspicious behaviour reported during the early hours at a Queenstown address turned into a mini drug haul for Queenstown Police just before 5.15am last Saturday, 14 June, when they found cocaine, psilocybin (magic) mushrooms and cannabis.
Constable Amanda Shute says a 35-year-old local man was charged with procuring/possessing cocaine, procuring/possessing stimulants and depressants, procuring and possessing cannabis plant and possessing a pipe for cannabis. Police arrived at the address and located two men along with the smell of cannabis. Shute says one of the men allegedly admitted to smoking a cannabis joint and said he had a small amount in his vehicle. Police searched the men and their vehicles and allegedly found cocaine, psilocybin and cannabis.
Assailant restrained by his victims
An angry, 40-year-old Wellington man took on more than he could handle and ended up being restrained by his targets after he’d become aggressive towards a group of men in Searle Lane at 4.20am on Saturday, 14 June. Shute says the man had allegedly begun throwing punches at the group as they attempted to calm him down. Another member of the public intervened and the offender allegedly swung at him, missing him, but striking him in the face with his right elbow. The group managed to take the male offender to the ground, restraining him until Police arrived. He was charged with assault and fighting in a public place.
Walter’s Tavern now open
Much-loved Queenstown institution the Pig & Whistle has reopened following a refresh and rebranding.
Now know as Walter’s Tavern, the Ballarat Street venue will remain a warm and welcoming pub grounded in the Queenstown community, its owners say.
“We’re so excited to introduce Walter’s to our community and Queenstown travellers,” venue manager Clementine Rivier says.
“This pub is all about creating a friendly, familiar place where everyone feels at home – whether it’s for a bite to eat with family, or somewhere to catch a live game of sport over the weekend.”
The revamped space blends heritage character with a fresh, modern feel across two levels.
The ground floor remains a lively bar anchored by fireplaces, large TV screens, and pool tables, while upstairs has been transformed into a relaxed mezzanine dining room with casual banquette style seating and soft lighting.
Outside, the terrace has also been freshly landscaped, but retains its seating, fireplace and shelter. The menu has also been reworked but still brings together classic pub comfort food and fresh Kiwi flavours.
Walter’s Tavern is open from noon til late, with Happy Hour Monday to Friday, from 4pm-6pm
Wakatipu Community Foundation rebranded
After seven years of growing community impact, the Wakatipu Community Foundation has officially rebranded as the 45South Community Foundation.
The name change, effective from 19 June, reflects the Foundation’s expanding reach across the region, while maintaining a strong connection to place and purpose.
“When we launched the Wakatipu Community Foundation in 2018, our focus was firmly on the Whakatipu Basin,” chief executive Jennifer Belmont says. “But as the years passed, we’ve seen our support and the generosity of our donors extend beyond our original boundaries.
“Donors are looking to offer scholarships to students outside the Whakatipu basin, and we are fielding more enquiries on behalf of clients in the surrounding areas.”
In addition, funds such as Love Wanaka and the ZQN Community Fund are already making grants beyond the Whakatipu.
The name 45South draws its inspiration from the 45th parallel, which runs through the heart of the region, connecting Arrowtown through Queenstown to the top of the lake in Glenorchy.
“We wanted a name that better reflects the people and places we now serve,” board chair Steve Brent says. “But what won’t change is our mission which is to connect generosity with impact, and help our community to thrive for generations to come.”
Over the past six years, the Foundation has granted more than $3 million to local charities and causes through key programmes such as Impact100 Wakatipu, The Greatest Needs Fund, private endowments, the Queenstown Airport Community Fund, Love Wanaka and Love Queenstown and Generation Give.
Along with the $3m granted, local donors have now pledged more than $50m in legacy bequests to the foundation, the income from which will become available to the community in the future.
Going forward, all fundholders, donors, and community partners will continue their work under the new 45South banner, with the same governance, values, and operational model.
“We see this as a new chapter and not a change in direction. It’s a key step as we head towards our goal of building a billion dollar fund for the community,” Belmont says. “45South is about being grounded in this region and committed to its future. We’re proud to take this step with our community.”
QUEENSTOWN DHARMA CENTRE, 12 LAKE ST
TUE (24 Jun) @ 6.30pm, ‘Cultivating an Open Heart’ with Grant Rix SUN (29 Jun) @ 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
Growing together at Hanley’s Farm Community Garden COMMUNITY NOTES
Nestled in the heart of Hanley’s Farm, the Hanley’s Farm Community Garden has quickly become a vibrant hub for connection, sustainability, and fresh produce. Officially opened on 25 May 2024, the garden is a grassroots initiative that brings residents together to cultivate not just fruits and vegetables, but a stronger, more connected community. Since its opening, the garden has welcomed locals of all ages to get their hands in the soil, sharing skills, stories, and a passion for growing healthy food. We have harvested broccoli, cauliflower, peas, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, potatoes, garlic, watermelons, strawberries and more.
On the last Sunday of every month, the garden hosts a working bee - a collaborative day where volunteers come together to plant, weed, water, and maintain the space. These events are more than just garden maintenance; they are an opportunity to meet neighbours, share gardening tips, and celebrate the joy of working toward a common goal.
Looking ahead, the garden team hopes to expand the range of produce grown, run more workshops with the local schools and youth groups teaching sustainability and environmental care and set up a kai pantry and seed bank for the local community to access.
Hanley’s Farm Community Garden is more than just a place to grow food - it’s a testament to the strength of community spirit. We have been so lucky to already have received donations from local businesses and individuals, but in order for our garden to continue to flourish we need your support.
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just curious to learn, everyone is welcome. Come along to the next working bee, roll up your sleeves, and be part of something truly rewarding - right in your own backyard.
If you live in Hanley’s Farm and would like further information please contact hanleysfarmcommunitygarden@gmail.com
Lakes Weekly gives community organisations in Queenstown Lakes the chance to address our readers directly though our Community Notes page. If you’d like to take part, email Jess at info@qmg.co.nz
DAVE WATSON BUILDING & MAINTENANCE
Glenorchy - 25 yrs experience.
Creative, innovation, high quality work.
PH 027 676 3477
www.davewatsonbuilding.co.nz
LOOKING FOR A PET FRIENDLY RENTAL
A humble and respectful couple looking for a pet friendly rental within Queenstown and surrounding suburbs for anything under $1000. Hope to hear from you.
Thank you, James and Kody. Contact: 0273311644
by Sue Fea
My Life story
MAUREEN SMITH
Supermum and Multi-Tasker
She raised six kids single-handedly, among them a best-selling children’s author, even co-writing her own best-seller with him. But Maureen Smith is famous in her own right as a solo ‘Supermum’ of the 70s.
Maureen, now 86 and in care in Christchurch, was renowned in Queenstown for her kindness and generosity, despite working 10 to 12-hour days just to feed her family. Her husband left in 1974, just two years after the family moved to Queenstown, which was a devastating blow in a time when limited financial help was available. However, Maureen worked hard, she had to –mostly as a cook in local hotels and waitressing at cafes and restaurants.
Her sons - local children’s author Craig Smith, of Wonky Donkey fame, and his eldest brother, Dale Smith, recall their mother always cooking and caring for those in need. This even earned her a special civic honour for voluntary service from Mayor David Bradford in 1993. She was also the local ‘Queen of Pavlova’, not only in her café, but at home where she baked winning pavs for hotels and restaurants. Born in Nelson, polio left her with scoliosis, but she went on to win Nelson Sprint Champion multiple times at high school. Her parents moved to Invercargill, Maureen working there at 20 where she met her first husband. They moved to Alexandra, their youngest of six, Craig, born in Clyde in 1972 before the family moved to Queenstown.
Maureen worked turning down beds at Esplanade Hotel, and at Travelodge, preschooler Craig beside her at work in a large cardboard box playing with toys. “If I escaped, she knew I could only reach the third-floor button in the elevator. A few times I got to the lake across the road until Mum got Sue Dennis on reception to keep tabs on me,” Craig grins.
Maureen applied for a state house, and they got the first of two built in Douglas Street at Frankton.
She also waitressed at Cardrona Café in the Mall, before sheer hard work saw her open her own café, The Green Apple Coffee Lounge in SSB Arcade, importing one of NZ’s first Italian espresso machines, for about $14,000, in the early 80s.
After selling that Maureen opened Frenz Café at Frankton Corner beside what was then the FourSquare supermarket. “She worked her butt off. I remember sleeping on the floor in the coffee lounge while she baked until 12.30am, being woken up to go home, school the next day,” Craig says. She was renowned for her homemade baking, sandwiches and soups, cheese rolls and scones. “Locals would come in and grab their food then I was sent to drop accounts under their door each week.”
Maureen would be constantly looking for Craig, who by 10 had escaped to feed the fish in Queenstown Bay, stealing a few coins from the Rotary wishing well on his way past.
She’d already dived in and saved him from drowning in the Shotover River when the family initially lived in an old house at Arthurs Point, then moving to Douglas Street with its unpleasant aroma from Dillon’s Chicken Farm. She was hard to outsmart, hiring a security guard when a thief repeatedly stole her early morning milk and cheese delivery from outside her café. He never stole again.
As a teen, eldest son Dale had ordered his mum to disown him if she ever spotted him in the pub underage – the legal drinking age then 20. “She’d purposely come up and embarrass me,” Dale says. However, that backfired when she invited him to meet her at the prestigious Travelodge Lounge Bar. (Teens could be accompanied by parents.) “That was one place you never got
caught underage by Sergeant Maloney,” Dale grins. “He turned red in the face when he saw me and demanded an explanation. I nervously pointed to Mum as my parent but when he asked her to verify that, Mum honoured my request, pretending she’d never seen me before in her life,” Dale laughs.
Every Thursday for about 10 years she’d volunteer at Senior Citizen’s cooking and supplying dinner for the seniors for free.
While cook at the Maternity Home in Sydney Street, Maureen also cooked extra meals for neighbouring Queenstown centenarian Molly Anderson, who lived until 103.
The district council was about to demolish the dilapidated historic Gardens band rotunda in the mid-90s until Maureen and second husband Bill Thomson said, ‘No way!’, launching a fundraising campaign to save it. They got the Lions Club on board, also donating themselves.
Her kids say the tight-knit community always watched out for them and their mum, from Travelodge manager Lawton Wilkinson sending carpet and carpet-layers to their house during hotel renovation to free chips at the Migias’s Town Fish Supply and meals at Taki’s Steakhouse. “Our house had no carpet, an ice box in winter with no insulation,” Craig says.
After retiring to Christchurch to care for her ailing mum, Maureen ran her mobile coffee truck at events and in 2010 she co-authored the #1-selling children’s book Willbee The Bumblebee with Craig. He’s also written a moving, personal song in honour of their mum, who he says stuck by them through heartbreak and hard times.
From left, Toni, Maureen, Sandra, Desley, Dale, little Craig in front, and Glen outside an early Douglas Street house they lived in next to Dillon’s Chicken Farm. Maureen made most of the children’s clothes
Maureen and Bill in the state house at 34 Douglas Street
Maureen and Queenstown granddaughter Maia, 10, sharing a special moment at the Charles Upham Retirement Village in Christchurch
HOSPOGUIDE
$6 Beer handles 7 days a week
LWB QUIZ
1. How many rings are there on the Olympic flag?
2. The 1862 gold rush that founded Queenstown was sparked by gold found at which nearby location?
3. What colour is vermilion a shade of?
4. King Zog ruled which country?
5. What colour is Spock’s blood?
6. Where in your body is your patella?
7. What spirit is mixed with ginger beer in a Moscow mule?
8. Who was the first man in space?
9. What would you do with a Yashmak?
10. Who betrayed Jesus to the Romans?
11. Who’s band was The Quarrymen?
12. Who starred as the Six Million Dollar Man?
13. In the song Waltzing Matilda - What is a Jumbuck?
14. Who was Dan Dare’s greatest enemy in the Eagle?
15. What is Dick Grayson better known as?
16. What was Skippy (on TV)?
17. What does a funambulist do?
Robin)
bush kangaroo
QUIZ ANSWERS:
1. Five | 2. Arrow River (near Arrowtown) | 3. Red | 4. Albania | 5. Green | 6. Knee (it’s the kneecap) |
Vodka |
Yuri Gagarin |
Wear it - it’s an Arab veil |
Judas Escariot |
John Lennon | 12. Lee Majors | 13. Sheep
14. Mekon | 15. Robin (Batman and Robin) | 16. The bush kangaroo | 17. Tightrope walker
GOINGS ON ABOUT
EVENTS - MUSIC - ART THEATRE - AT THE GALLERIES
Free Canyoning Seminar
COMMUNITY
Turn your passion for adventure into a life-changing career. Canyoning New Zealand’s free seminar is your chance to come along, talk to them in person and learn a bit more about what’s on offer. Their training courses are a dynamic, hands-on six-day programme, based out of Queenstown.
When: Thursday, 26 June, 6pm – 7pm Where: Canyon Brewing, 1 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point
July Holiday Programme
Looking for an exciting school holiday programme in Queenstown? Join Te Atamira’s July arts holiday programme, led by experienced art educators. Designed for tamariki aged 5-7 and 8-12, this creative, multidisciplinary programme inspires creativity through fun, hands-on workshops. Extended hours available.
When: Monday, 30 June – Friday, 11 July, from 9am Where: Te Atamira, 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton
First Tracks Opens
Forget the worm, the early bird gets the best cord! Clip in before the sun bursts over the peaks and claim the first runs of the day. Don’t forget to come in for a coffee when you’re done and have a chat with your fellow first trackers. First tracks pass must be purchased in conjunction with a valid day lift or season pass at Coronet Peak.
When: Daily from Monday, 30 June – late September, 8am – 9am Where: Coronet Peak Ski Area, Queenstown
COMEDY
Comedy Hypnosis Show
As seen on Seven Sharp and going viral on TikTok, you’re in for a treat with Comedy Hypnotist, Haiming Jiang, bringing his Comedy Hypnosis show to Queenstown. Be prepared to laugh hysterically and to take part, too, if you’re up for it. It’s a night of fun. Haiming combines hypnosis with comedy to entertain the audience while demonstrating the benefits of hypnosis through audience participation. With his unique cultural background and understanding of New Zealand, this is a must-see event for any fun-loving Kiwi interested in hypnosis, offering an enjoyable and exciting experience. Come and find out how this Chinese hypnotist uses hypnosis to both entertain audiences and relax participants. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.
When: Friday, 11 July, 7pm – 8.30pm
Where: Wakatipu High School, 49 Red Oaks Drive, Queenstown
SPORT
Wakatipu Wild NZWIHL Ice Hockey Game
The Wakatipu Wild are back on the ice for another epic season of Women’s Ice Hockey! You can’t say you’ve been to Queenstown if you didn’t catch one of these iconic Ice Hockey games. It’s always an epic showdown when the NZWIHL come to the barn – get your tickets online. Dress code is yellow and blue.
When: Friday, 4 and Saturday, 5 July, 7pm – 9pm Where: Queenstown Ice Arena, 29 Park Street, Queenstown
EVENT
NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival
Calling all adventure seekers, storytellers, and lovers of the great outdoors! The New Zealand Mountain Film & Book Festival is back for its 23rd anniversary, promising an electrifying celebration of adventure sports, filmmaking, and literature. They’ll be showcasing world-class adventure films, captivating books, inspiring guest speakers, stunning art exhibitions, and hands-on educational programs. Can’t make it in person? No worries! You can still experience the magic online throughout July 2025, with a curated selection of festival films available to stream.
When: Queenstown – Thursday, 26 - Friday, 27 June
Where: Queenstown Memorial Centre, 1 Memorial Drive, Queenstown
Ayrburn’s Winter Wonderland 2025
Back by incredibly popular demand, Ayrburn’s Winter Wonderland returns. A precinct-wide display of worldclass Christmas lights and seasonal specials awaits. And who could forget the addition of an ice rink to The Dell — because frankly, what Winter Wonderland would be complete without one? The highly anticipated festivities begin on Friday, 27 June, with the turning on of the lights and the grand opening of our seasonal ice-skating rink (more details to follow). From that moment, Ayrburn becomes blanketed in lights, love, and snow-kissed charm.
When: Friday, 27 June – Sunday, 27 July
Where: Ayrburn, 1 Ayr Avenue, Arrowtown
Welcome to Winter ‘25 – Cardrona Alpine Resort
You’re invited to go big. Get amongst NZ’s biggest playground and kick off winter with live music and celebrate the opening day for the new Soho Basin & Chairlift. Bring your mates and your best dance moves. You won’t want to miss this free on-snow Music Festival featuring known artists including Sweet Mix Kids, P-Digsss and Wānaka’s own Powder Chutes band plus more. Talent from Mount Aspiring College will also play on various stages throughout the day.
When: Saturday 28 June 2025, 1pm - 4pm
Where: Cardrona Alpine Resort
The Sporting Parent with Dr Craig Harrison
A thought-provoking night designed especially for parents of young athletes who want to better understand how to support their sporty child. Drawing on real stories from the field and the latest insights from science, this keynote will explore what it truly means to raise a thriving young athlete. You’ll discover why understanding the human side of your child’s development is the key to offering the kind of support that builds confidence, resilience, and longterm success. Through an honest and engaging conversation, Craig will help you shift from simply being present to being purposeful - providing the stable base your child needs to explore their potential and perform at their best.
When: Wednesday, 2 July, 7.30am – 9.30am
Where: Queenstown Events Centre, Joe Oconnell Drive, Frankton
Open Mic Night at Yonder
Yonder Open Mic Night is back, on the first Thursday of every month. Hosted by the local boys, Victory. All equipment provided. Come down and play whatever (we won’t judge if you wanna break out Wonderwall...). Whether you are a solo acoustic act, wanna jam with the house band or testing out your band’s new material – come on down and give it a crack. Bring your pals, grab a drink and listen to some of the best local talent we’ve got going around.
When: Thursday, 3 July, from 9pm
Where: Yonder, 14 Church 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
Arts+Culture
Storytelling at its best
by Jessica Allen
Neighbourhood Story Slam (NSS) is a monthly event organised by Claire Murphy Barnhart and Amanda Hayes. The community event features a changing theme, which storytellers will share based on. You can head along as a storyteller or audience member – either way the night will evoke emotion.
Story slams are a safe place to share and listen to true, personal stories from those within our community. NSS celebrates human connection and the art of storytelling. Murphy Barnhart and Hayes wanted to bring this to life as they felt people were craving new ways to connect and so far the events have exceeded their expectations.
Murphy Barnhart originally ran the Story Slam out of Yonder several years ago, but ended up winding down naturally and stopping as a result of Covid. When she met Hayes at work more recently, conversations soon started about the event, the stories that Queenstown has to offer and the need for human connection, so they slowly worked towards reviving it.
“It’s been really cool to see the interest and the engagement – the appetite for it in the community because we knew that Queenstown is such a good place for it – we’ve all got great stories and people are on the same page in bringing that community together,” Hayes says.
The interest in the last few slams has been overwhelming and a testament to people’s desire for connection. It allows individuals to share experiences –what it means to be human.
“Even if everyone that attends could just walk away and feel a little bit less alone, or a little bit more connected – see themselves in one of the storytellers, or feel better about something they’re going through – it just lightens everybody a little bit by the end of it,” Murphy Barnhart says. “Even the heavy stories; it just spreads out that shared experience.”
The pair explain that often people don’t want to share their stories as they fit into a few categories; being afraid of public speaking, feeling their stories aren’t worthy, or having a story but not being able to tell it. They’re tackling some of these by offering community workshops. So far they’ve offered two which have been really well-received. They explored various topics including the foundations of great storytelling, how to refine your story’s structure and the power of language.
“We truly believe that everybody has a story and everybody has the power to share it, but giving people the tools to do that is the biggest thing. We really want to be hosting lots of community workshops and events that help to empower those groups of people that maybe are interested but need the nudge to do so.”
For NSS, a different theme is chosen each month – they try to select topics that are relevant, i.e. new beginnings at the start of the year. They also revaluate between events to make sure they’re not missing a certain type of story – keeping the theme quite broad is also important so that not too many stories are excluded.
“We come up with what we think a certain theme is going to bring, but that’s why we like it as well, because it is so open to interpretation,” Hayes says. “It’s whatever that theme means to you – people might think ‘that means I’m going to get this,’ but then we get something totally left-field and that’s what’s great about it.”
Whether you’ve ever thought you might have a story, or you’ve just had your interest piqued, this is the perfect format to explore, and perhaps try, something different. If you’re not comfortable telling a story, you can support and enjoy from the audience, knowing you won’t be asked to jump up on stage.
“There’s been so many storytellers through the years now, but I’ve never, ever, ever seen a storyteller finishing their story and then saying ‘that was horrible and I’m never doing that again.’ I can honestly say it’s a 100% success rate of people coming off and going ‘I’m really happy I did that and I can’t wait to do it again,’ even if they were really apprehensive beforehand,” Murphy Barnhart says.
Neighbourhood Story Slam runs approximately once a month at Sherwood, with storytelling workshops happening periodically, too. Follow them on Instagram @neighbourhood.storyslam to stay up-to-date with all upcoming events and to grab tickets (they do sell out). You can also get in touch via email at neighbourhood.storyslam@gmail.com if you have more questions about getting involved or recommending a storyteller.
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UNCLAIMED ITEMS SITTING AT THE Police Station, at 11 Camp Street, this week include:
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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Keep the kids busy these School Holidays!
There is always plenty to see and do, so we have put together a few suggestions to help you keep the kids and the rest of the family entertained, even if the weather isn’t being kind. Don’t forget our epic Colouring Competition. Get out the crayons, get creative and have fun!
Scan it and email your entry by Monday, 8 July. We have some amazing prizes to be won!
COLOURING COMPETITION
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EVERYTHING ELSE
Everything Else
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Controllers
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enquiries@qmg.co.nz
We are looking for
If you’re an energetic, ambitious & experienced hospitality professional we want to hear from you.
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Customer Success Manager
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Myelectrician is requiring an Electrician to join their small Queenstown team. Please call Myell on 021 857 267
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